Lee Jae-myung "Yoon should be quickly removed from office"... Proposes meeting with Han

"Investigation, arrest, and detention needed" Special Statement

"Fortunate" at Han Dong-hoon's hint at impeachment support

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged a swift investigation against President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 6th, calling him "the clear ringleader of a national rebellion crime who abused the democratic constitutional order for his personal gain and power consolidation." He criticized President Yoon's martial law declaration on the 3rd as a 'rebellion', 'insurrection', and 'loyalist coup'.

Lee made this statement at the National Assembly, declaring a 'special statement on the Yoon Suk-yeol rebellion situation', saying, "The Republic of Korea, an advanced democracy, is facing a serious crisis. Shockingly, all these issues stem from President Yoon," he said. Lee defined President Yoon's martial law declaration on the 3rd as "a rebellion orchestrated by the president himself to maintain or expand his power, an insurrection, and a loyalist coup."

Lee argued, "We cannot entrust the administration of state affairs to a president who threatened the lives of sovereign citizens with unconstitutional and illegal acts for even a moment," and insisted, "The procedures of investigation, arrest, detention, indictment, and punishment should be followed within the necessary scope."

Lee welcomed the hint at impeachment support by Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, who stated that "a swift suspension of President Yoon's duties is necessary," saying, "Although late, I think it's truly fortunate." However, he also expressed concern, saying, "It is unclear whether it was said as the leader of the People Power Party or as an individual outside the party," and pointed out, "It sounds like he supports impeachment, but who knows when he might say 'that's not what I meant'." This is interpreted as a remark targeting the situation where Han seems to be leading the impeachment phase.

Lee also proposed a meeting with Han, saying, "In a significant historical phase, the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties should naturally meet."

He said, "It is only right to discuss what it means to fulfill responsibilities with the people and the nation at the forefront," and advised, "I urge the People Power Party to respect the will of the people and not deviate from the historical flow to avoid being swept away by the grand flow of history."

Reporter Bae Seong-su baebae@hankyung.com