Chants for Yoon's Dismissal Erupt in Gwangju... Lee Jaemyung: "Let the Flame of Hope Burn"

On the afternoon of the 3rd, at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju, Jeon Hyunhee, a Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is reading aloud a congratulatory message from party leader Lee Jae Myung at the launch ceremony of the "Gwangju In Forum for Ending the Civil War and Stronger Democracy." Photo by Yonhap News

원본보기 아이콘

Lee Jaemyung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized that "the Republic of Korea stands at a crossroads of great challenges and change," and stressed, "We must once again ignite the flame of hope in Gwangju." Lee urged the citizens of Gwangju to unite and take action for the end of insurrection and the defense of the Constitution, declaring, "We will stand together until the end for a stronger democracy."

On the afternoon of the 3rd, at the inauguration ceremony of the 'Gwangju Forum for the End of Insurrection and a Stronger Democracy' held at the Kimdaejung Convention Center in Gwangju, Lee delivered these remarks through a congratulatory speech. Although Lee's attendance was initially considered, he could not participate due to scheduling conflicts, and the speech was read on his behalf by Jeon Hyunhee, a Supreme Council member of the same party.

Lee stated, "The citizens of Gwangju must stand at the forefront to protect democracy and build a nation where the people are the true owners," and promised, "The Democratic Party of Korea will move forward with the citizens of Gwangju for a fairer and safer country, and for a stronger democracy." He added, "I hope that the voices raised in Gwangju will become the driving force for opening a new future for Korea."

Representative Park Ji-won said, "In order to impeach Yoon Sukyeol, send him to prison, and achieve a change of government with the Democratic Party, the citizens of Gwangju must take the lead," and appealed, "Just as Gwangju supported Kim Daejung and Roh Moo-hyun, I ask for more than 95% support once again."

Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju, stated in his greeting, "Recently, Representative Lee Jaemyung has been meeting with various figures in the Democratic Party. (The Democratic Party) is uniting with all parties and political forces that seek to defend the Constitution, centering on Representative Lee Jaemyung."

Mayor Kang argued, "We must unite with all forces that seek to defend the Constitution, create a joint democratic government, and sweep away the far-right and deceitful forces that deny the Constitution. Now is not the time for constitutional amendment, but for impeachment. Let us establish a democratic government and responsibly pursue constitutional amendments."

At the inauguration ceremony, Democratic Party lawmakers representing Gwangju constituencies, including Min Hyungbae, Yang Bunam, Cho Incheol, Jung Junho, Jeon Jinsook, and Park Gyuntaek, as well as Shin Jeonghun, were in attendance.

Among the five district mayors of Gwangju, Im Taek, Kim Ikang, Kim Byeongnae, and Park Byeonggyu participated as advisory committee members, while Moon In, the mayor of Buk-gu and a likely candidate for next year's Gwangju mayoral election, did not put his name on the list.

On the afternoon of the 3rd, more than 10,000 citizens attending the "Gwangju People Forum for Ending Civil War and Stronger Democracy" held at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju waved cheering sticks. Photo by Song Bohyun

원본보기 아이콘

At the forum, more than 15,000 citizens attended, holding cheering sticks and placards with slogans such as "Change of Government," "Defend the Constitution," and "Dismiss Yoon Sukyeol," chanting, "Dismiss Yoon Sukyeol, the ringleader of constitutional destruction and insurrection," and "End the insurrection, defend the Constitution, establish a democratic government."

Mr. Park, who was present at the event, said, "We must start again from Gwangju to protect democracy," and added, "Everyone must join forces and take the lead in defending the Constitution." Another citizen emphasized, "Gwangju has always been the starting point of democracy," and said, "Even now, just like then, everyone must unite as one."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.