On Tuesday, Andy Kim, the first Korean American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, criticized South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent declaration of a state of emergency. Kim described the move as undermining the fundamental basis of popular sovereignty and increasing South Korea’s vulnerabilities.
In a statement, Kim expressed concern over the declaration, highlighting how it threatens democratic values. He also commended the South Korean National Assembly’s decision to lift the state of emergency, characterizing it as an important step towards de-escalation that warrants respect.
Kim emphasized that democracy always faces challenges, which should be addressed through democratic and open processes. He further stated that the declaration of a state of emergency undermines the fundamental principle of people’s governance and significantly increases South Korea’s vulnerabilities at a time when security and stability should be ensured for the populace.
Kim took to social media to express his dismay over the current situation in South Korea, saying, “My parents were born in South Korea during the Korean War, and I never would have imagined that some 70 yrs later we would see thousands of North Korean soldiers fighting for a Russian dictator against Ukraine while South Korean democracy descends into martial law.”
He added, “In the coming fragile hours and days, violence must be avoided at all cost, and adherence to rule of law and the democratic process is essential.”
Kim, who has represented New Jersey in Congress for three terms, was elected as a U.S. Senator for the state of New Jersey in the November 5, U.S. presidential elections.
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