Explosive Protest: Citizens Fill Gwanghwamun in Anger Over Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Law Rejection

 

Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul was filled with heated protests on the 13th. This was the first weekend after President Yoon Suk-yeol exercised his right to demand reconsideration, also known as a veto, on the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Law. In response, numerous citizens and opposition lawmakers gathered for the "National Rally Against the Rejection of the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Law."

The rally was organized by "National Emergency Action Rejecting the Veto," a coalition of 85 civic groups, including the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Center for Military Human Rights Korea. Lawmakers from opposition parties such as the Democratic Party, the Joseon Innovation Party, the Progressive Party, the Basic Income Party, the Social Democratic Party, and New Future participated in large numbers, filling Gwanghwamun Square.

Citizens’ Outcry: "Strongly Condemn the Rejection of the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Law"

Many citizens, including Lee Jong-deok (62) from Goyang, who attended with his daughter, participated in the rally. Lee said, "The people's wish is to implement the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Law, but I came out in anger at the repeated rejection by the president." He added, "President Yoon should understand the feelings of the people and accept the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Law."

Opposition Criticism: "The President Has Rejected the People's Mandate"

Acting Democratic Party leader Park Chan-dae took to the stage, saying, "What the president rejected is not just the special prosecutor law but the mandate of the people who are the owners of this country. A president who does not follow the people's mandate is unqualified." He further criticized, "A president who fights against the people is not a president but a dictator."

Mention of Impeachment: "The Impeachment Train Has Gained Momentum"

Jo Guk Innovation Party Floor Leader Hwang Un-ha mentioned, "Seeing the president exercise his veto on the reintroduced special prosecutor law, it feels like the 'impeachment train' has gained speed." He added, "If the special prosecutor law is re-passed and rejected again, we will propose a special prosecutor law directly targeting President Yoon."

Progressive Party Chairwoman Kim Jae-yeon argued, "President Yoon's exercise of the veto indicates he has no intention of changing his misguided governance stance." She criticized the president's confidence, saying, "Talks of impeachment or early elections are groundless."

Basic Income Party Supreme Council Member Shin Ji-hye also said, "We must quickly break away from a president who abuses his veto power."

Calls for Various Civil Reform Legislation

The rally also saw calls for the passage of various civil reform laws that have been blocked by presidential vetoes, such as the amendments to the Trade Union Act (Yellow Envelope Act) and the Special Act on Jeonse Fraud. KCTU Chairman Yang Kyung-soo criticized, "President Yoon claims low birth rates are an issue, but if that's the case, he should guarantee the right for workers to protect their wages, employment, and treatment through unions." He further criticized the Yoon administration and the People Power Party for opposing the union law amendment, claiming they are harming the economy and rejecting the special act on jeonse fraud.

Civic groups and the opposition plan to hold a candlelight vigil at the National Assembly on the 19th, the first anniversary of Chae Sang-byeong's death, to once again call for a thorough investigation into the incident and allegations of external pressure.

Conclusion: Will the President Hear the People's Voice?

The message from the numerous citizens and opposition lawmakers who gathered at Gwanghwamun Square on the 13th was clear. They demanded the implementation of the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Law and other civil reform legislations, expressing strong opposition to the president's vetoes. It is hoped that President Yoon Suk-yeol will listen to the people's voice and respond to their demands.

 

 

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