On March 1st Anniversary, Ruling and Opposition Parties Say "Inheriting the Spirit of the March 1st Movement"... Disagreement on Solutions to the Impeachment Crisis

On March 1st, the ruling and opposition political circles conveyed a message to inherit the noble spirit of the patriotic martyrs, but revealed differences in views on the solution to the impeachment political situation.

The National Assembly where the plenary session was held. 2025.2.27 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

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Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik said, "The courage and dedication of our ancestors who declared independence against unjust invasion have been revived whenever democracy was shaken, and that noble spirit continued from the April 19 Revolution to the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the June Struggle, and the Candlelight Square," emphasizing, "We must move forward with inclusion and solidarity along with the spirit of the March 1st Movement."

Shin Dong-wook, senior spokesperson of the People Power Party, stated in a commentary, "We pay tribute to the noble sacrifices of the patriotic martyrs and patriots who devoted themselves to the independence of the homeland," and added, "The People Power Party will do its utmost to protect liberal democracy and further restore people's livelihoods so that the sacrifices and dedication of the patriotic martyrs will not be in vain." Kim Dae-sik, senior spokesperson of the party's floor, said, "We will do our best to create a free and peaceful Republic of Korea, a country where the people are the owners."

Han Min-soo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said in a commentary, "The constitution and democracy of the Republic of Korea are facing a crisis due to the president who has become a leader of rebellion. The president and the ruling party have become a rebellion group and far-right forces, dividing the people and undermining democracy and the rule of law," and added, "In keeping with the noble spirit of the March 1st Movement, the Democratic Party will protect the constitution with the people and take the lead in ending the rebellion."

Political figures considered as presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties also reflected on the meaning of March 1st and delivered mixed messages. Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon advocated constitutional amendment, saying, "The spirit of sacrifice of politicians who close the door of the old era and change the era through constitutional amendment is desperately needed." Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min emphasized, "The president, constitutional court justices, and the people divided over impeachment must all respect the great cause of the constitution as a democratic republic for this country to stand upright." Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, said, "The answer was always in the cheers of the square then and now. Just as the spirit of the March 1st Movement, which overcame an era of despair with hope, became a guide for a new country, the colorful lights that dyed the square will grow into stepping stones toward a better world." Former Governor of Gyeongnam Kim Kyung-soo argued, "Beyond the president's removal, we must proceed to a national overhaul through constitutional amendment for the establishment of a democratic government and a new Republic of Korea." Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said, "Let us not forget that the cause of loss of sovereignty was division and conflict. Let us abandon hatred and anger and pioneer the path of coexistence."

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