Gwangju and Jeonnam Civil Society: "Yoon's Arrest Is Retribution... Now Focus on Stabilizing Livelihoods" (Comprehensive)

Civil, Social, and Economic Groups: "Just Consequences Are Inevitable"
Kang Gijung and Kim Youngrok Emphasize Restoration of Livelihoods
"Opposition Forces Must Stop Violent Protests"

Citizens are watching related news in the waiting room of Gwangju Songjeong Station on the morning of the 19th, when President Yoon Seokyeol, accused of leading a rebellion, was arrested. Photo by Song Bohyun

Civil society groups in Gwangju and Jeonnam stated that the arrest of President Yoon Sukyeol is a natural consequence for illegal acts and urged the government to take action for the stabilization of people's livelihoods.

On the 19th, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung wrote on his Facebook, "The (arrest of President Yoon) is the judiciary's stern judgment on forces of rebellion," adding, "It is the people's mandate to restore the livelihood economy." He also said, "A prompt 'super supplementary budget' is needed to revive people's livelihoods."

Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok also stated, "No one can shake the democracy of the Republic of Korea," and evaluated, "The fate of the ringleader of rebellion has shown the world that it is nothing but stern legal punishment and constitutional impeachment." He continued, "We must focus on the livelihood economy before it is too late. The government and all political parties, both ruling and opposition, must start with a supplementary budget for people's livelihoods as soon as possible."

May 18 organizations also called the arrest of President Yoon a natural 'cause and effect' for trampling on the Constitution and the people, and urged an end to agitation for the sake of national stability.

Citizens are watching related news at Gwangcheon Terminal in Gwangju on the morning of the 19th, when President Yoon Seokyeol was detained. Photo by Min Chanki

The three official May 18 organizations (Bereaved Families Association, Injured Persons Association, Meritorious Persons Association) and the May 18 Memorial Foundation released a statement, saying, "The arrest of someone who trampled on the Constitution and the people is a natural outcome," and "We strongly urge an end to acts of rebellion."

The organizations stated, "The incident of storming the judiciary at dawn, causing riots and disturbances, and obstructing official duties clearly proves that acts of rebellion are still ongoing," and emphasized, "President Yoon must fully acknowledge his responsibility as the ringleader of rebellion and strongly urge him to step down from the presidency to prevent further chaos."

They added, "Those who led and participated in this riot, as well as those behind it, must be thoroughly investigated and given strong legal punishment."

Oh Juseop, Secretary General of the Gwangju branch of the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, said, "The fact that President Yoon, who once served as Prosecutor General, has been arrested is a natural consequence for his repeated illegal acts," and emphasized, "Citizens' protests in response to President Yoon's arrest must also adhere to the law and principles in expressing their opinions. Violent protests will only cause national confusion."

He added, "If President Yoon's arrest and the ensuing trial process lead to political stability, it is expected that international trust in Korea will rise and the economy will improve. However, since there are still remaining legal procedures, it is important for the government to respond appropriately, and now is a time when citizens need unity rather than violent or extreme actions."

The Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union also stated, "The arrest of President Yoon can be seen as a victory for democratic civic education," and urged, "President Yoon must faithfully cooperate with the investigation related to acts of rebellion."

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