Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, called for public support on May 21, the official start of the election campaign, urging voters to choose local governments that will work in tandem with the Lee Jae-myung administration. He also warned of severe consequences for actions that mock democracy, referencing recent controversies involving Starbucks and Musinsa.
During a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly, Han stated, "This local election will determine whether we will move towards national normalization with the capable Lee Jae-myung government or allow insurrectionist forces to gain ground."
He recalled the events of December 3, 2024, when President Yoon Suk-yeol declared an illegal state of emergency, nearly undermining the remarkable achievements of South Korea. He emphasized that the Lee Jae-myung government was born from the sacrifices and dedication of citizens who voluntarily gathered in the National Assembly, proving its worth through results and capabilities that meet public expectations and trust.
Han criticized the local governments formed by the People Power Party during Yoon's administration, describing them as epitomes of incompetence and irresponsibility. He asserted, "We must end the regression of the past four years in this election. A victory in the local elections is the path to national normalization and a great leap forward for South Korea."
He also pointed out provocations from far-right groups, including Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' and performances mocking the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, as well as past insults to martyr Park Jong-cheol by Musinsa. Han remarked, "What distinguishes these actions from the insurrectionist forces of Yoon Suk-yeol, which committed crimes against the state and attempted to overthrow our democratic republic?"
He concluded by announcing that the Democratic Party would swiftly establish relevant laws and systems to punish acts that mock and undermine the values of the Gwangju Democratization Movement and the democratic republic.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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