Yoon condemns attack on opposition leader as act of terrorism

Jan 04, 2024, 09:14 am

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President Yoon Suk-yeol toasts with attendees during a meeting for the new year at the former presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, in Seoul on Jan. 3, 2024. (From left) The attendees include National Election Committee Chairman Rho Tae-ak, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Lee Jong-seok, National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, President Yoon, Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo, and Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choe Jae-hae.

By AsiaToday reporter Hong Sun-mi

President Yoon Suk-yeol on Wednesday condemned the recent knife attack on opposition leader Lee Jae-myung as an act of terrorism, saying such violence is an “enemy of liberal democracy.” Yoon made the remark during a gathering for the New Year with leaders of the government, National Assembly, and economic, labor and religious communities, noting the absence of main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee, who is recovering after being stabbed by an assailant on Tuesday.

“Terrorism is more than just an act of harm or crime against the victim. It suppresses human freedom and is an enemy to everyone that seeks a free society,” Yoon said. “I believe we should all comfort the victim with one mind and with the same mind, respond firmly. Let us all wish for Chairman Lee’s speedy recovery,” he said.

The president then encouraged the attendees for creating a country where the people are happy and the society that is warm, saying, “Let us work hard together this year for the happiness and prosperity of us and future generations.”

The gathering brought together some 200 people, including National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Lee Jong-seok, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo, National Election Committee Chairman Rho Tae-ak, Presidential Committee Chief Kim Han-gil, and more.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) interim leader Han Dong-hoon and floor leader Yun Jae-ok also attended the event. It was the first time that President Yoon met with the ruling party leader since Han’s inauguration. Officials from the main opposition DP and minor opposition Justice Party did not attend the meeting.

Attendees also condemned the attack against Lee in their New Year’s greeting.

“Our party is not only strong opposed to all violence, it is those who act on the side of the victims regardless of their camp,” Han said. “Both the PPP and supporters wish Lee a speedy recovery.”

“Year 2024 is the year of elections. We will do our best as a ‘good’ to win and make life better for our fellow citizens and the country, rather than a desire to win,” he said.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae said, “All members of the judiciary will do their best to make it a year of trial in accordance with laws and principles without ever tolerating violence under any circumstances.”

Prime Minister Han Duk-soo said, “The Cabinet will be a warm government that puts the people’s livelihood first.”

#Yoon Suk-yeol #New Year #Lee Jae-myung #terror