Democracy in Korea Faces Another Crisis
In December 2024, South Korea's democracy faces an unprecedented challenge.
Investigations by the prosecution revealed that former Intelligence Corps Commander Noh Sang-won had instructed active-duty Intelligence Corps personnel to detain and imprison members of the National Election Commission (NEC). The discovery of the so-called "Hamburger Meetings" and tools like baseball bats and hammers shocked the nation.
This incident transcends simple illegality. It represents an orchestrated attempt to undermine the very foundations of democracy.
What are the full details of this situation, and where should South Korea go from here?
The Truth Behind Noh Sang-won’s Arrest Plans and ‘Hamburger Meetings’
1. Preparation and Execution of Arrest Squads: Evidence of Rebellion
Prosecutors disclosed that Noh Sang-won ordered the preparation of tools such as baseball bats, hammers, and cable ties to detain NEC personnel. The arrest squad followed these orders while including a directive to avoid using the bats on individuals to mitigate legal repercussions.
Key preparations included
- Arrest tools: Baseball bats, hammers, and 100 pairs of handcuffs.
- Plan to seize the NEC: Arrest employees and extract server data.
This indicates a thoroughly planned operation rather than a spontaneous act.
2. The ‘Hamburger Meetings’ and Organized Rebellion Plans
The "Hamburger Meetings," as revealed by prosecutors, are central to understanding the event.
- First Hamburger Meeting: Discussed plans for NEC occupation, server extraction, and key personnel arrests.
- Second Hamburger Meeting: Assigned roles and responsibilities within the investigation unit.
These meetings were not informal discussions but part of a systematic rebellion executed under the orders of the President and the Minister of Defense.
3. Illegal Acts Threatening Democracy
Noh Sang-won went beyond mere occupation plans. He directed armed squads to infiltrate the NEC and detain its employees.
Additionally, documents released by the Democratic Party revealed plans to detain politicians and lawmakers using military police and arrest tools. This deliberate action poses a severe threat to democracy and public trust.
The People’s Role in Protecting Democracy
Noh Sang-won’s plans and the Hamburger Meetings are not isolated mistakes or individual actions.
They are organized criminal activities that undermine South Korea's democratic foundations.
The priority now is to uncover the full truth and hold those responsible accountable. Democracy does not belong to one individual or group; it belongs to everyone.
Citizens must remain vigilant and demand justice to build a better South Korea.
History teaches us an essential lesson: democracy can disappear if left unprotected.
South Korea’s democracy is in the hands of its people, and now is the time to act.
3 Line Summary for You
- Former General Noh Sang-won organized arrest squads and prepared tools like baseball bats for seizing election officials.
- The "Hamburger Meetings" reveal a structured rebellion plan that deeply threatens democracy.
- Citizens must recognize this crisis and act to protect justice and democratic values.
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