Gwangju Buddhist Community: "Yoon's Emergency Martial Law is a Power Extension Ploy"

Buddhist Federation and Religious Groups Hold 'Sikuk Dharma Assembly' at Mugaksa Temple
Over 100 Monks and Laypeople Demand Judicial and Political Accountability

On the afternoon of the 13th, at the Gwangju Buddhist Hall inside Mugaksa Temple in Seo-gu, Gwangju, the Gwangju Buddhist Federation and religious practice groups held a "Gwangju Buddhist Fourfold Assembly National Situation Dharma Meeting," holding signs that read "Impeach the Traitor Yoon Seok-yeol!" Photo by Song Bohyun

The Buddhist community in Gwangju emphasized the judicial and political responsibility of President Yoon Seok-yeol and related parties, stating that the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident' was a scheme to ignore the constitution and extend power.

The Gwangju Buddhist Federation and Gwangju Buddhist Practice Organizations held the 'Gwangju Buddhist Community National Situation Dharma Assembly in Response to the December 3 Emergency Martial Law Proclamation' on the afternoon of the 13th at the second-floor Dharma Hall of the Gwangju Buddhist Center, Mugaksa Temple, Seo-gu, Gwangju.

About 100 people participated in the assembly, including Monk Sowoon (President of the Gwangju Buddhist Federation), Kang Gi-jung, Mayor of Gwangju, Moon In, Mayor of Buk-gu, Gwangju, and Monk Wolin (Senior Vice President of the Gwangju Buddhist Federation).

The assembly proceeded in the order of opening declaration, threefold refuge ceremony, introduction of guests, address, activity report, national situation remarks, reading of the declaration, chanting of slogans, and reading of the prayer.

The Gwangju Buddhist Federation and religious organizations held the "Gwangju Buddhist Fourfold Assembly National Dharma Meeting" on the afternoon of the 13th at the Gwangju Buddhist Hall inside Mugaksa Temple in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung and former Justice Party National Assembly member Kang Eun-mi attended the event. The term "Fourfold Assembly" refers collectively to monks and believers. Photo by Song Bo-hyun

All members of the Gwangju Buddhist community issued a national situation declaration, stating, "The people have overcome hardships and history, cultivated exemplary democracy, and live with pride and dignity as they attract global attention through K-Culture. However, witnessing the anachronistic proclamation of emergency martial law, we saw history regress and democracy collapse."

They explained, "South Korea's economy is staggering and the nation's dignity has fallen. Citizens physically blocked the martial law troops, and members of the National Assembly climbed over fences to enter the main chamber to lift the martial law."

They continued, "All schemes to ignore the constitution and laws and extend power will be exposed in broad daylight. Those who committed serious criminal acts will bear judicial and political responsibility and face the judgment of the people," condemning the actions.

They also emphasized, "All citizens must not lose rational judgment and must reveal the truth according to the constitution and laws. Those responsible should receive appropriate punishment to serve as a historical lesson. Political leaders of both ruling and opposition parties must not conceal or distort the incident for partisan interests."

Monk Wolin, in his national situation remarks, said, "Currently, President Yoon has lost the trust of the people and must be impeached for the sake of democracy and the nation's survival. I hope the impeachment vote on the 14th will surely pass and bring stability to the country."

Mayor Kang Gi-jung of Gwangju also said, "I personally visited the National Assembly carrying Han Kang's book 'The Boy is Coming' to urge participation in the vote. Impeachment is the only answer. I hope the impeachment will definitely be realized tomorrow according to the will of the people."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.