South Korea: Nobel Laureate Han Kang Joins Writers Calling for Yoon's Ouster Over Martial Law Attempt
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Synopsis
On March 25, 2024, Nobel laureate Han Kang joined a large group of South Korean authors demanding the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his failed martial law attempt. This call reflects widespread concern over democratic values and human rights in South Korea amidst political turmoil.
Key Takeaways
- Han Kang, Nobel laureate, advocates for Yoon's removal.
- 414 authors support the call against martial law.
- Writers Association of Korea emphasizes democratic values.
- Public rally held at Gwanghwamun Square for Yoon's ouster.
- Acting President calls for respect for the Constitutional Court's decision.
Seoul, March 25 (NationPress) Han Kang, the recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, was among numerous South Korean authors advocating for the removal of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unsuccessful attempt at imposing martial law.
The Writers Association of Korea, a prominent literary organization in the country, released “one-line statements” from 414 authors on Tuesday, each expressing their endorsement for Yoon's removal in succinct terms.
“I uphold the values of life, liberty, and peace that must be protected,” wrote Han, the first South Korean Nobel laureate in literature. “The ousting of (Yoon) is essential to maintain universal values.”
Han received her Nobel Prize in Sweden in December, mere days after Yoon's martial law declaration plunged South Korea into chaos. Having explored historical catastrophes in contemporary Korean history, Han conveyed her astonishment at the situation during a press conference in Sweden, as reported by Yonhap.
In Tuesday's declaration, novelist Eun Hee-kyung stated, “I aspire to dwell in a democratic society.” Chung Bora, known for her work “Cursed Bunny,” demanded “the punishment of the insurrection’s ringleader and the establishment of a fair society.”
Literary critic Shin Hyoung-cheol criticized Yoon by referencing Sophocles' “Antigone,” quoting, “Rage with any of your friends who can bear it.”
On the same day, the association organized a gathering of 2,487 of its members at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to rally for Yoon's ouster.
Earlier, Acting President Han Duck-soo urged the nation to honor the Constitutional Court's ruling regarding suspended President Yoon’s impeachment, regardless of its outcome.
Han made this plea during a meeting with public safety officials as the court is anticipated to decide soon on whether to uphold or reject Yoon's impeachment due to his brief martial law enactment in December.
“Regardless of the Constitutional Court's decision, it should be respected as a legal ruling made following democratic norms,” the Acting President emphasized.
“Furthermore, it should be a foundation for our society to unite beyond division and conflict.”
Han urged the public to express their views in an orderly and peaceful manner within constitutional boundaries, noting rising concerns over illegal and violent actions occurring during the protests surrounding the ruling.
