Veteran Filmmakers, Including Song Kang-ho and Hwang Jung-min, Sign Statement Condemning National Assembly’s Inaction on President Impeachment

A coalition comprising 6,388 filmmakers, which features notable personalities such as Song Kang-ho, Hwang Jung-min, Kim Tae-hee, Kim Ji-won, and Han Ye-ri, issued a passionate statement on December 13, expressing their outrage over the unsuccessful impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. This group condemned President Yoon as a “perpetrator of rebellion” while urgently calling for the impeachment of both him and the ruling People Power Party (PPP), holding them accountable for their role in constitutional breaches.

In their comprehensive statement, the filmmakers condemned President Yoon’s assertion of martial law and the PPP’s decision to boycott the impeachment vote, describing these actions as a blatant “rebellion” against the constitution. They appealed to the public to take action to restore democratic values and demand accountability from the leadership.

On December 7, in a national address, President Yoon promised to face legal and political consequences and asserted that his political future rests with the ruling party. However, the PPP’s boycott during the impeachment vote in the National Assembly rendered constitutional mechanisms ineffective, effectively shielding the president’s authority. This deliberate act ignited widespread public anger, prompting severe criticism from various sectors, including the film industry.

The filmmakers accused the PPP of violating their constitutional responsibilities, especially citing Article 46, Paragraph 2, which they argue aligns with acts of treason.

A History of Warnings Ignored

This is not an isolated incident; the filmmakers previously issued a warning on December 5, advising PPP lawmakers to “prioritize national interest or risk becoming accomplices to rebellion.” This caution was disregarded as PPP members walked out during the impeachment vote, a move the filmmakers characterized as protective of rebellion.

In their follow-up statement, the filmmakers contended that the PPP’s actions represent a grave betrayal of public trust and pose a significant threat to the democratic framework. They stressed the importance of upholding constitutional integrity and the national stability that hinges on it.

Public and Film Industry Reaction

Kang Ho Kim Ji Won Hwang Jung Min Kim Tae Hee Han Ye Ri

The aftermath of the failed impeachment vote has left the public and the film industry disillusioned. Expectations that the PPP would act in the nation’s best interest have been shattered. Filmmakers have pointed out that President Yoon’s declaration of martial law necessitates an immediate response, either through impeachment or resignation.

On December 8, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and PPP leader Han Dong-hoon suggested an “orderly early resignation” as an alternative to impeachment. However, the filmmakers rejected this proposition, viewing it as unconstitutional and a mere tactic to relieve the president of accountability. They firmly stated, “A president who breaches the Constitution must be subjected to constitutional processes.”

Strong Condemnation and a Call for Action

The filmmakers labeled the proposal for an “orderly early resignation” as an insidious justification for power misappropriation, likening it to a second act of rebellion. Their statement underscored that the true custodians of stability, order, and governance are the citizens, not the ruling party. “President Yoon Suk-yeol and the People Power Party are the root causes of this turmoil,” they asserted.

They urged PPP lawmakers to act within their constitutional boundaries as dictated by public expectation. “If you recognize the constitutional violations of the martial law declaration, then act resolutely and participate in the vote,” they implored, emphasizing the dire need for immediate impeachment. They cautioned that history would judge the lawmakers for their political negligence.

A Fight to Defend Democracy

In their rallying cry, the filmmakers pledged solidarity with citizens in the ongoing struggle to safeguard democracy. “Politics should serve the people; the retention of power must not be the ultimate pursuit.” Through their emphatic second statement, they reinforced the imperative of collective action to navigate the current political crisis.

On December 13, members of “Filmmakers for Yoon Suk-yeol’s Resignation”reiterated their resolute message to the PPP and President Yoon: “Impeachment is the only solution to restore constitutional order. Halt the rebellion immediately.” Their courageous stance has sparked significant attention and support across the nation.

Source: TopStarNews

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