Impeach, not resign: BWI condemns boycott of impeachment motion by South Korea’s ruling party
The boycott starkly reveals the ruling party’s unwillingness to risk a snap election, defying the general will of the people, disregarding the overwhelming public demand for a decisive impeachment process against the President. Their actions represent treacherous act to the nation, akin to the gravity of the Martial Law declaration itself. By prioritising political self-preservation over their duties as elected representatives, they have positioned themselves as the apologists and the enablers of President Yoon’s undemocratic actions.
“This boycott is unacceptable and an affront to democracy,” said BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson. “President Yoon’s declaration of martial law set a dangerous precedent, undermining democracy, the rule of law, and the fundamental rights of South Korean citizens. The impeachment process is critical to holding the President accountable for his constitutional failures and sending a clear message that no leader is above the law.”
President Yoon has proven himself unfit to govern, prioritising personal interests over the nation’s welfare. His public apology does nothing to undo the damage inflicted on South Korea’s democracy, society, and labour movement. The sentencing of leaders and members of the Korean Construction Workers Union (KCWU) for exercising their fundamental rights and the tragic loss of comrade Yang Hoe-dong are haunting reminders of the repression endured under his administration.
BWI reaffirms its solidarity with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), BWI affiliate Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Union (KFCITU), and all South Koreans who continue to demand justice, accountability, and democratic restoration. President Yoon must face trial for his betrayal of constitutional principles and his crimes against the labour movement.
BWI firmly believes that impeachment, not voluntary resignation, is the only viable path forward. An impeachment process in the National Assembly will issue a stern warning to future leaders against the abuse of power, restore accountability to political leadership, and rebuild public trust in a functional government that respects democracy, human rights, and labour rights.
As the impeachment motion will be tabled for the second time in National Assembly, BWI calls on all lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation, to vote with conscience and fulfil their responsibility to the people they vow to serve. Lawmakers must rise above partisanship to defend democracy and ensure justice prevails, not political deserters who abscond when the nation needs them most
“Let the names of those who meet this historic moment with courage and integrity be remembered as defenders of democracy and champions of justice.”