SEOUL: South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday the country had overcome an “unprecedented crisis” of democracy one year on from ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law that sparked political turmoil.
On December 3, 2024, Yoon suspended civilian rule in South Korea for the first time in more than four decades, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament.
A year later, the country remains riven by political polarization as it faces a slowing economy and an aging population, as well as the lingering threat from North Korea.
Lee, who succeeded Yoon after his removal from office, said the South Korean people “overcome an unprecedented crisis of democracy in world history through peaceful means.”
Speaking to foreign media, he touted the benefits of “K-democracy” in removing Yoon from office — but admitted the country remained deeply polarized.
“National unity is my priority,” he said.
Lee is also due to attend the rally outside the National Assembly, where one year ago lawmakers defied soldiers to vote down the martial law bid within hours of the announcement.
Seoul police said they expected at least 2,000 people to join the rally, the first of its kind near the South Korean legislature since the dramatic events of last year.
Supporters of Yoon’s former People Power Party (PPP) plan a separate rally to demand that its leaders hold firm and not apologize for the martial law debacle, which has left party members split.
The PPP’s floor leader apologized on Wednesday for failing to prevent martial law.
Song Eon-seog said lawmakers should “feel a heavy sense of responsibility for failing to prevent the declaration of martial law that caused such distress to the public.”
But party leader Jang Dong-hyuk wrote on social media that the martial law had served to “counter an act of parliamentary tyranny.”
Languishing in prison
Much of the right continues to “share Yoon Suk Yeol’s political stance and interests,” political commentator Park Sang-byung said.
“Doing so serves their grip on party power and their future political interests,” said Park.
Yoon’s legal troubles in the wake of the martial law declaration have also served to boost his image as a martyr among the far right.
The ousted leader is on trial for insurrection and other offenses linked to his martial law bid, and could face the death penalty if found guilty.
His wife is also in custody and on trial on charges including bribery, stock-market rigging, and accepting luxury gifts worth more than $50,000.
It is the first time in South Korea’s history that a former president and first lady have both been arrested.
Two dozen of Yoon’s cronies, including his former intelligence chief and interior minister, are on trial on insurrection charges.
All court hearings related to the martial law declaration are scheduled to end no later than February.
South Korean leader says country overcame ‘crisis’ on martial law anniversary
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South Korean leader says country overcame ‘crisis’ on martial law anniversary
- On December 3, 2024, then-president president Yoon Suk Yeol suspended civilian rule for the first time in more than four decades
- The martial law declaration prompted massive protests and a showdown in parliament
LA 2028 Olympics chief to sell agency over Epstein uproar: reports
WASHINGTON: The embattled chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is selling his talent agency after his name appeared in the recent wave of revelations concerning late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to US media reports.
LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman has faced mounting calls to step down after racy emails he sent Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003 emerged in US Justice Department files dropped last month.
In a memo late Friday to the employees of talent agency Wasserman Group, which bears his surname, the entertainment executive reportedly said he would sell the firm but stay on as Olympics chief.
“I’m deeply sorry that my past personal mistakes have caused you so much discomfort,” Wasserman wrote in the memo published by multiple US media outlets, including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
“It’s not fair to you, and it’s not fair to the clients and partners we represent so vigorously and care so deeply about.”
Wasserman, 51, said in the memo that his appearance in the Epstein files had “become a distraction,” the Los Angeles Times reported.
He has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing in the scandal.
He said in an apology last month that his exchange with Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for trafficking underage girls for Epstein, took place before her crimes came to light.
In one email exchange between Wasserman and Maxwell in April 2003, he told her “I miss you” before appearing to ask for a massage.
The LA28 executive committee this week said he should continue in his role following a probe into his appearance in the files.
His talent agency represents a galaxy of stars from across music, sport and entertainment.
But several artists represented by Wasserman’s company, including Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Chappell Roan, have announced their departure from the agency since his involvement in the scandal emerged.
Multiple Los Angeles city officials have also called on Wasserman to step aside as head of the 2028 Olympics.
