Han Dong-hoon, CEO of the People Power Party, said on the 6th, “We have confirmed that President Yoon Seok-yeol ordered the arrest of major politicians on the grounds that they were anti-state forces.” On this day,Representative Han changed his previous stance of preventing the impeachment of President Yoon and argued that it was necessary to suspend President Yoon from carrying out his duties.
At the party emergency supreme committee meeting held at the National Assembly this morning,representative Han said,“last night,on the day of the declaration of martial law,President Yoon ordered the arrest of major politicians and other people by a high school junior,Yeo Yeo-hyung,a counterintelligence commander,on the grounds that they were anti-state forces. “We have confirmed with reliable evidence that intelligence agencies were mobilized for the arrest,” he said.
He also said, “It was discovered that Commander Yeo had a specific plan to imprison the politicians she arrested in that way at a detention site in Gwacheon,” and added, “This will be made public through various channels in the future.”
Previously, the democratic Party of Korea claimed on the 4th that martial law forces deployed to the National Assembly immediately after President Yoon declared martial law attempted to arrest and detain about 10 politicians. According to the Democratic Party, those arrested include National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, people Power Party leader Han dong-hoon, Democratic Party leader lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae, Democratic Party Supreme Council member Kim Min-seok, and Legislation and Judiciary Committee Chairman Chung Cheong-rae.
Representative Han visited the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon of the same day and discussed with President Yoon ways to deal with the aftermath of the declaration of martial law. At this meeting, representative Han reportedly protested, “Why did you try to arrest me?”, referring to the martial law arrest team. In response to this, President Yoon is reported to have responded, “If that were the case, we would have tried to arrest him as it would have been a violation of the martial law decree, which clearly states ‘a ban on political activities, including the National Assembly and political parties.’”
Meanwhile, the People Power Party held an emergency general meeting of lawmakers at 11 am on the 6th.Initially, the People Power Party confirmed its party line to oppose the impeachment of President Yoon, but following Representative HanS remarks, it is expected to discuss the party line again today.
Kim Hye-rin, Donga.com reporter sinnala8@donga.com
What are the implications of the recent accusations against President Yoon Seok-yeol for South Korean democracy?
Interview between Editor of Time.news and Political Analyst Dr. Min-Jae Park
Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Park. Thank you for joining us today too discuss the recent developments in South Korean politics.The emergency Supreme Council meeting held by the People Power Party has raised a lot of eyebrows. Could you summarize what transpired?
Dr. park: Good afternoon! Absolutely.The meeting was prompted by serious accusations from Han Dong-hoon, the CEO of the People power Party. He claimed that President Yoon Seok-yeol had ordered the arrest of prominent politicians, labeling them as “anti-state forces”. This marks a significant shift in the party’s position regarding President Yoon, who was previously seen as an ally.
Editor: That’s a striking turn of events! Han went further to detail that there were specific plans made by a high-ranking official for thes arrests. What does this indicate about the internal dynamics within the People Power Party?
Dr. Park: It highlights a growing rift within the party. Han’s remarks not only challenge President yoon’s authority but also suggest a deepening concern over potential abuses of power. By alleging that intelligence agencies were mobilized for these arrests, Han is raising alarms about the militarization of politics in South Korea, especially sence this occurred alongside a declaration of martial law.
Editor: The mention of martial law certainly adds a layer of urgency. How do you see this impacting public perception and the political climate in South Korea?
Dr. Park: The public is highly likely to respond with a mix of fear and outrage. Martial law evokes memories of past authoritarian regimes, and many South Koreans cherish their democratic governance. If these allegations are substantiated, President Yoon’s governance could face significant backlash and questions regarding legitimacy. Furthermore,this could mobilize opposition forces,not just within the Democratic Party but from civil society as well.
Editor: You mentioned the Democratic Party earlier. How are they responding to these events?
Dr. Park: The Democratic party has already been vocal. As reported,they claimed that martial law forces attempted to detain around ten politicians soon after the declaration.They are framing these events as a direct threat to democracy, which could bolster their support among constituents who are wary of authoritarian tendencies.
Editor: So, in your expert opinion, are we witnessing the beginning of a potential political upheaval in South Korea?
Dr. Park: It’s too early to declare a full upheaval,but we are certainly at a critical juncture.If Han Dong-hoon and other party leaders continue to distance themselves from President Yoon and actively push back against his actions,this could set off a chain reaction. The situation could either lead to reforms within the People Power Party or deepen the political crisis entirely.
Editor: That sounds profoundly impactful either way. as we look ahead, what should observers be keenly watching for in the coming weeks?
Dr. Park: Watch for further developments regarding the arrests and any public responses from President Yoon himself. Additionally, any shifts in party loyalty within the People Power Party will be crucial. Keep an eye on how civil society mobilizes as well—there is potential for large-scale protests if the situation escalates. The coming weeks will be critical in determining South Korea’s political future.
Editor: Dr. Park, thank you for your insights today. It’s essential to stay informed on these developments as they unfold.
Dr. Park: thank you for having me.It’s my pleasure to discuss such a vital topic affecting our society.