‘Martial Law Advocate’ Cha Kang-seok, Public Speech at Anti-Yoon Impeachment Rally “Ended without Martial Law Victims”

Musical actor Cha Kang-seok, who was criticized for his remarks supporting President Yoon Seok-yeol‘s ‘12·3 Emergency Martial Law’, has appeared in public. This time, he gave a public speech at a rally opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol.

The YouTube channel ‘Cha Kang-seok TV’, released on the 29th, showed Cha Kang-seok giving a speech at the Gwanghwamun anti-impeachment rally. Cha Kang-seok also posted a summary of his remarks in the video on SNS.

He said, “I am truly grateful to be able to stand in this square and this place again, but my heart is heavy”, and “Yesterday, they impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo by accusing him of dereliction of duty and complicity in rebellion. The reason was that he delayed the appointment of Constitutional Court Justices and rejected XX bills like the Grain Law. Did they say they wouldn’t appoint Constitutional Court Justices? The opposition leader expressed his anger by saying, “Is it dereliction of duty to exercise the right to veto a matter that affects the fate of the country, seek consultations from both parties, review it a little more, and make a careful decision?”

He continued, “The Grain Law is a law that manages unsold crops in the country. Are we North Korea or China? Why are we managing and distributing crops that were not sold with the government’s money? Are we a communist country?” He then asked, “Then are we, who are on the same track as Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, half of the people, accomplices in a rebellion? Why are we accomplices in a rebellion? A rebellion is a large-scale fight that takes place within a country with the purpose of seizing power. Did we carry spears? Did we bring threatening things like tractors? And did the president fight a large-scale fight to seize power? Martial law was declared in order to investigate communist spies who refused to be investigated. Didn’t martial law end without a single victim? But why are we called treasonous?” he said, raising his voice.

Cha Kang-seok pointed out, “Isn’t treason when they abuse impeachment in order to seize power, create anarchy by following the Bible of the socialist revolution, and ignore law and order in an attempt to usurp power? You are guilty of treason. Stop inciting and stop trying to turn the Republic of Korea into anarchy. You opposition party are impeachment addicts.”

He quoted the line “Let’s kill the old wolf at all costs” from the movie “Harbin,” and said, “The forces that must be eliminated are communist spies and anti-state forces.” He argued, “If you love your country, what does it matter whether you are progressive or conservative? However, we absolutely cannot tolerate anti-state forces that seek to overthrow the country.” He then said, “I hope all progressives think again and think carefully about who is trying to overthrow the country right now and whether this is the right liberal democracy. I would like to thank all the patriotic comrades who have come here once again. I will end by saying this.”

Meanwhile, Cha Kang-seok posted on his SNS on the 4th, “There are too many spies, so I welcome martial law. Please catch all the spies and execute them.” When some netizens pointed this out, he said, “Our country is a liberal democratic country. Thought is also free. I am proud and upright.” He also wrote about the National Assembly members holding a plenary session to pass a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law, “Seok-yeol-kun (President Yoon Seok-yeol), if you have the cards, you should show them quickly. If you don‘t, you’ll be impeached soon.”

As criticism poured in, Cha Kang-seok closed the comment window and issued an explanation the next day. He said, “I feel sorry for giving so much attention to someone so insignificant until late at night. I wrote this post with high hopes for the eradication of anti-state forces at a time when we have been sensitive due to the recent espionage issue. I am very sorry for using vulgar and extreme expressions.” He added, “I feel very sorry for the current state of affairs and the way state affairs are run, where people are narrow-minded, only pursuing their own interests, focusing on taking sides, and making people hate each other. I have become more sensitive as circumstances have emerged where spies were involved in the midst of it all.” He explained the reason for his support for martial law, saying, “I love our country. I am grateful, respectful, and love those of you who are sending me criticism. I will gratefully listen to your stinging advice and counsel and live in self-restraint. I hate spies who are harmful to the national interest. He asked for understanding, saying, “I am not defending President Yoon Seok-yeol, nor do I hate you all.”

Cha Kang-seok later apologized again, confessing his feelings of injustice, saying that he had been notified of his dismissal from the place where he worked as a contract instructor.

Jeong Hee-yeon, reporter for Donga.com shine2562@donga.com