The Green Party of the United States expressed grave concern over the recent declaration of martial law in South Korea by President Yoon Suk Yeol. While we acknowledge the complexities of governing in a time of heightened tensions, we firmly believe that such an unprecedented and authoritarian action undermines democratic principles and the trust of the South Korean people.

For Immediate Release
December 9, 2024

Contacts:
Gloria Mattera, Green Party Media Committee Coordinator, 202-804-2758, [email protected]
Michael Stewart, Co-chair, Green Party International Committee, 202-804-2758

“The deployment of armed troops in Seoul and the restriction of political activities represent a direct threat to the fundamental freedoms cherished in democratic societies. We commend the swift response of South Korea's National Assembly in overturning the martial law decree, and we stand in solidarity with the citizens who took to the streets to defend their rights”, said Michael Stewart, co-chair of Green Party’s International Committee.

The Green Party of the United States emphasizes the importance of nonviolence and peaceful resolution of conflicts, both domestically and internationally. We condemn the use of force against civilians and political leaders and call for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the current political crisis in South Korea. Our platform upholds people's right to engage in political activities free from the threat of violence or intimidation.

The Green Party of the United States joins the three progressive forces in Korea (the Green Party Korea, the Justice Party, and the Labor Party) to urge President Yoon Suk Yeol to reflect on the impact of his actions and the loss of confidence they have created among the South Korean people and the international community. For the sake of South Korea’s democracy and stability, we call on President Yoon to step down from office. This step would open the door for the restoration of public trust and the renewal of South Korea’s commitment to democratic governance.

The horrors of 1980s Gwangju and 1948 Jeju are fresh in the minds of Koreans as 707 Special Forces entered the National Assembly in the pre-dawn hours of December 3, 2024, in order to arrest the leader of the Democratic Party, the Speaker of the National Assembly, leaders of the conservative People Power Party, and other lawmakers. Elders who lived through the horrors of the military dictatorship once again came out to block military tanks and armored vehicles from entering the National Assembly Proceeding Hall.

"From Cheonji of Baekdusan Mountain to Baeknokdam of Hallasan Mountain, the Korean Peninsula is in crisis. The future of the Peninsula has never been more uncertain. But history has shown that when citizens come together and reach for a brighter future, the course of history can be changed. Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea says that South Korea is a Democratic Republic whose power lies in its citizens. The Korean people have shown us that they will not let their beautiful Republic be taken advantage of," said Austin Bashore, coordinator of the Asia Pacific Sub-Committee of the Green Party International Committee, currently living in South Korea.

The Green Party of the United States emphasizes the importance of accountability, peaceful resolution of political crises, and adherence to democratic values. We stand with the South Korean people and call on leaders worldwide to uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and democracy.

Green Party of the United States
www.gp.org
202-804-2758