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 at the failed impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The group labeled President Yoon 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 and abetting 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 the 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, saying that he would not shirk legal and political responsibility and that he would leave his political future to the ruling party. However, the subsequent impeachment vote in the National Assembly failed due to the mass boycott of the PPP. This not only neutralized constitutional mechanisms aimed at suspending 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 its constitutional duty under Article 46(2) of the Constitution by allowing what they described as treason.
A history of ignored warnings
This isn’t the first time filmmakers have spoken out. On December 5, they released an initial statement warning PPP lawmakers to “prioritize the national interest or become complicit in the 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 the 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 stressed that such actions undermine constitutional principles and national stability.
The reaction of the public and the film industry
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 interest were dashed. The filmmakers argued that President Yoon’s declaration of martial law leaves no other option other than impeachment or immediate resignation.
On December 8, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and PPP leader Han Dong-hoon jointly proposed “early and orderly resignation” as an alternative to impeachment. However, the filmmakers dismissed this act as yet another unconstitutional act, claiming that it was a simple ploy to help the president evade responsibility. They stated: “A president who violates the Constitution must be held accountable through constitutional procedures.”
Strong condemnation and call to action
The filmmakers criticized the “early and orderly resignation” proposal as an attempt to justify the abuse of power, likening it to a second act of rebellion. They emphasized that the real 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 unrest,” the statement said.
The statement also calls on PPP legislators to exercise their authority responsibly, as requested by the public. “If you recognize the unconstitutionality of declaring martial law, then act decisively and participate in the vote,” the filmmakers urged, calling for immediate impeachment. They warned that history will remember the lawmakers’ actions and hold them accountable for shirking their political responsibilities.
A fight to defend democracy
The filmmakers are committed to supporting citizens in the fight to protect democracy. They declared: “Politics exists for the people; maintaining power cannot be its ultimate goal.” Through this second declaration, the group underlined the need for solidarity to overcome the current political crisis.
On December 13, “Filmmakers for Yoon Suk-yeol’s Resignation” reiterated their strong message to the PPP and President Yoon: “Impeachment is the only way to restore constitutional order. Stop the rebellion now.” Their courageous stand resonated across the nation, attracting public attention and support.
Source: TopStarNews
