A few days ago, more than 1,400 South Korean priests had raised the alarm in favor of democracy, openly calling for the impeachment of the president. The religious people defined Yoon as a “man of lies” and a “violent man”, “incapable of understanding his role and respecting power.” Political and media activities were suspended, Parliament was surrounded by police.
Seoul (/Agencies) – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol proclaimed martial law in order “to eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional order of freedom.” He made the announcement during a late-night speech broadcast live on broadcaster YTN.
It is the first time that martial law has been proclaimed in South Korea since the dictatorship ended in the 1980s. The army reported that political activities, including those in Parliament, had been suspended, the media had been placed under government control and strikes were prohibited. All doctors, including those who have been protesting against the government for months, have been called into service. Following the announcement, police surrounded Parliament.
In his speech, Yoon, whose approval rating has been falling for some time, did not mention specific threats from North Korea, but made reference to the opposition Democratic Party, which has had a majority in Parliament since April. In recent days the Democratic Party had presented a resized budget bill along with a motion to dismiss an auditor and the attorney general. In the past, Yoon had also spoken of “pro-North Korean forces” to refer to elements that he believes hinder his political agenda.
A few days ago, on November 28, 1,466 Korean Catholic priests had published an open letter in which they raised the alarm for democracy and openly called for the impeachment by Yoon. In light of today’s events, the text takes on a particular meaning, and we publish it below in our translation.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
It is said that everything that is hidden or covered up will sooner or later be revealed, and now thousands and thousands of actions that have been carried out in darkness are coming to light one by one. Anger is growing uncontrollably and people’s impatience can no longer be ignored. Catholic priests cannot avoid joining the movement that denounces the political situation.
Even those who insisted on saying “let’s wait a little longer” are now withdrawing their trust and expectations in the president. They don’t do it for personal reasons, but out of a spirit of justice and respect, they say “this is not right.” The remaining half of his term cannot be allowed to destroy the country and the people, and that is why they have concluded that he “cannot continue.”
The priests also think the same. The more they watch him, the more they realize that “if he wants, there’s nothing he can’t do.” They are no longer surprised by even the most serious things he could do. So we ask ourselves: why is it in this condition? It is not a question addressed only to him, but it has to do with the misery of the human being, who desires good but does not do it, and does not want evil, but ends up doing it. (Romans 7.19) Why has man, who should have embodied God’s salvation for the world, become the personification of evil, which harms and destroys? The words of the penitential psalm we recite every Friday morning have never been so painful. “Because I recognize my faults and my sin is always before me… I have been guilty since I was born; “My mother conceived me as a sinner.” (Psalm 51,5.7)
In the case of President Yoon Suk Yeol, the situation is even more serious. He is a “man of lies”, who denies what exists and affirms what does not exist. Eliminate everything that should exist and protect what should be destroyed. He is a “man of violence” who does not distinguish between what is good for everyone and what is harmful. A “man of division” who breaks what should continue and disperses what should be united. He is a puppet of his own ego, unable to understand his role and respect the power the people have given him. A leader who enriches only a small elite and condemns the rest to ruin. The Bible would describe it as “the fourth horrible and terrible beast, very strong.” (Daniel 7,7). The sacrifice and work of our heroes, who fought for independence, for democracy, for survival and well-being, are disappearing. No matter how hard we try, our conscience and our rationality cannot understand their actions.
We sincerely consider him worthy of compassion and we pray for him. But “the evil things that come out of his heart” (Mark 7:21-22) are relentlessly tormenting, polluting, and destroying South Korea, and we cannot remain silent. He has abandoned the principles and common sense built up over five thousand years, denied humanity, and ridiculed God. He has despised vulnerable people and destroyed the foundations of society, ultimately rejecting God and his kingdom. We cannot justify it for any reason. As baptized Catholics, we cannot help but correct him and condemn his evil actions.
If he has done anything positive, it was to demonstrate that “one” can save or destroy the whole. Just like the burning of Sungnyemun Gate, an act committed by a single madman. But if we talk about “one”, we, as a people, are also a great unit. If South Korea is destroyed by this wanton behavior, we must ask ourselves what we will do with ourselves. Let’s restore the nation, starting with each of us. Furthermore, as sovereigns, we not only have the right to elect, but also to remove those who do not fulfill their duty. It’s not too late to make a decision. We must proceed with an impeachment trial that holds the president accountable for his failure to respect the Constitution, defend the State and promote the well-being of the nation and its peaceful unification.
The message we bring today is that if a blind man leads another blind man, both will fall into the pit, therefore we cannot remain indifferent. No one is free from the slavery of sin. That is why we must exercise love and mercy, firmly assuming the humanity of each one.
Let us pray for the kingdom of God and for democracy
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