Filmmakers, Including Song Kang-ho, Hwang Jung-min, Kim Ji-won and Kim Tae-hee, Sign 2nd Statement To Condemn National Assembly’s Failure to Impeach President

A collective of 6,388 filmmakers, including prominent names such as Song Kang-ho, Hwang Jung-min, Kim Tae-hee, Kim Ji-won, and Han Ye-ri, issued a second urgent statement on December 13, expressing outrage over the failed impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The group labeled President Yoon as a “perpetrator of rebellion” and called for the immediate impeachment of both the president and the ruling People Power Party (PPP), accusing them of aiding constitutional violations.

In their statement, the filmmakers criticized President Yoon’s declaration of martial law and the PPP’s boycott of the impeachment vote, calling these actions a “clear rebellion” against constitutional order. They urged citizens to take action to restore democratic values and hold those responsible accountable.

On December 7, President Yoon addressed the nation, stating that he would not evade legal and political responsibility and would leave his political future to the ruling party. However, the subsequent impeachment vote in the National Assembly failed due to the PPP’s mass boycott. This not only neutralized constitutional mechanisms to suspend the president’s authority but also sparked widespread public outrage, with harsh criticism emerging from various sectors, including the film industry.

The filmmakers accused the PPP of betraying their constitutional duty under Article 46, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution by enabling what they described as treason.

A History of Warnings Ignored

This is not the first time the filmmakers have spoken out. On December 5, they issued an initial statement warning PPP lawmakers to “prioritize national interest or become accomplices to rebellion.” However, this warning was ignored as PPP lawmakers collectively walked out of the National Assembly during the impeachment vote, a move the filmmakers described as shielding rebellion.

In their second statement, the filmmakers argued that the PPP’s actions were not only a betrayal of public trust but also a threat to the foundations of democracy. They emphasized that such actions undermine constitutional principles and national stability.

Public and Film Industry Reaction

The failed impeachment vote left many citizens and members of the film industry deeply disheartened. Hopes that the PPP would ultimately act in the public’s interest were dashed. The filmmakers maintained that President Yoon’s declaration of martial law leaves no other resolution than impeachment or immediate resignation.

On December 8, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and PPP leader Han Dong-hoon jointly proposed an “orderly early resignation” as an alternative to impeachment. However, the filmmakers dismissed this as another unconstitutional act, arguing that it was a mere ploy to help the president evade accountability. They stated, “A president who violates the Constitution must be held accountable through constitutional procedures.”

Strong Condemnation and a Call for Action

The filmmakers criticized the proposal for “orderly early resignation” as an attempt to justify power abuse, likening it to a second act of rebellion. They emphasized that the true agents 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,” the statement declared.

The statement also called on PPP lawmakers to exercise their authority responsibly, as mandated by the public. “If you recognize the unconstitutionality of the martial law declaration, then act decisively and participate in the vote,” the filmmakers urged, demanding immediate impeachment. They warned that history would remember the lawmakers’ actions and hold them accountable for shirking their political responsibilities.

A Fight to Defend Democracy

The filmmakers pledged to stand with citizens in the fight to protect democracy. They declared, “Politics exists for the people; maintaining power cannot be its ultimate goal.” Through this second statement, the group emphasized the need for solidarity to overcome the current political crisis.

On December 13, the “Filmmakers for Yoon Suk-yeol’s Resignation” reiterated their strong message to the PPP and President Yoon: “Impeachment is the only path to restore constitutional order. Stop the rebellion now.” Their bold stance has resonated across the nation, drawing significant public attention and support.

Source: TopStarNews