A coalition comprising 6,388 filmmakers, highlighted by renowned figures such as Song Kang-ho, Hwang Jung-min, Kim Tae-hee, Kim Ji-won, and Han Ye-ri, released a second urgent statement on December 13. Their document condemned the failure to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol, branding him a “perpetrator of rebellion”and demanding both his impeachment and that of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) for allegedly facilitating violations of the Constitution.
The filmmakers denounced President Yoon’s martial law declaration and the PPP’s decision to boycott the impeachment vote, characterizing these moves as a “clear rebellion”against established constitutional order. They urged the public to mobilize in defense of democratic values and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
In a public address on December 7, President Yoon asserted that he would shoulder both legal and political responsibilities, vowing to leave his future to the ruling party. However, the impeachment vote failed due to a mass boycott by PPP members, effectively stifling constitutional mechanisms meant to limit the president’s powers. This action ignited widespread public discontent, particularly from the film industry, which expressed deep frustration over the betrayal of democratic principles.
The filmmakers accused the PPP of neglecting their constitutional obligations under Article 46, Paragraph 2, by enabling actions they deemed treasonous against the state.
A History of Warnings Ignored
This isn’t the filmmakers’ first public outcry. They initially called on PPP lawmakers on December 5 to “prioritize national interest or face complicity in rebellion.”Yet, this advisory was overlooked when lawmakers walked out during the impeachment vote, a gesture the filmmakers interpreted as a cover for rebellion.
In their subsequent statement, they highlighted that the PPP’s actions constituted a breach of public trust, posing a serious threat to the very foundations of democracy and undermining constitutional integrity.
Public and Film Industry Reaction
The rejection of the impeachment bid left many citizens and industry insiders disillusioned. Expectations that the PPP would act in the public’s best interest were sorely dashed. The filmmakers contended that given President Yoon’s imposition of martial law, the only viable resolutions left were for him to either resign immediately or be impeached.
On December 8, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and PPP leader Han Dong-hoon suggested an “orderly early resignation”as a possible alternative to impeachment. However, the filmmakers dismissed this proposal as unconstitutional, labeling it merely a tactic to shield the president from accountability. They argued, “A president who violates the Constitution must be held accountable through constitutional procedures.”
Strong Condemnation and a Call for Action
The filmmakers criticized the “orderly early resignation”suggestion as mere justification for power abuse, equating it to an additional act of rebellion. They asserted that true stability, order, and governance derive from the people, not the ruling party, stating, “President Yoon Suk-yeol and the People Power Party are the root causes of this turmoil.”
Additionally, they urged PPP lawmakers to responsibly execute their duties as representatives of the public. “If you understand the unconstitutionality of the martial law declaration, then act decisively and participate in the vote,” the filmmakers implored, calling for immediate impeachment. They cautioned that history would judge lawmakers based on their willful neglect of political responsibilities.
A Fight to Defend Democracy
The filmmakers vowed to unite with citizens in the ongoing struggle to safeguard democracy. They articulated, “Politics exists for the people; the maintenance of power cannot be its ultimate goal.” Their second statement emphasizes the necessity for collective action to navigate the current political crisis effectively.
On December 13, the organization “Filmmakers for Yoon Suk-yeol’s Resignation”reiterated their emphatic message directed at the PPP and President Yoon: “Impeachment is the only path to restore constitutional order. Stop the rebellion now.” This powerful stance has garnered significant public attention and support nationwide.
Source: TopStarNews
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