Kwak Kyung-taek, the director of the recently released film Firefighter and brother of the People Power Party's chief spokesperson Kwak Gyu-taek, has raised his voice for the resignation of President Yoon Seok-yeol. This is seen as a response to the growing movement among the people to boycott Firefighter.
On the 12th, Director Kwak noted in a press release, "There are people who think even firefighters are being criticized because Representative Kwak Gyu-taek of the People Power Party abstained from the impeachment vote according to party policy."
He continued, "Like many others, I am also deeply disappointed and outraged at the members of the National Assembly who did not even participate in the group vote," adding, "I believe that a president who has caused major chaos in South Korea and brought embarrassment worldwide should voluntarily step down."
He said that if not resignation, impeachment is necessary. Director Kwak stated, "If not, then impeachment must surely be the right course," adding, "Honestly, my heart still races when I think about the night (when President Yoon declared martial law)."
Director Kwak added, "Our nation has wisely overcome past periods of political turmoil with the collective strength of all its people, and I believe we will also navigate through this challenging time at the end of 2024 successfully."
Meanwhile, Director Kwak has announced Firefighter, five years after his previous film Battle of Jangsari: Forgotten Heroes. Firefighter was released on the 4th of this month, having surpassed 1 million cumulative viewers. The film is set against the backdrop of an arson incident in 2001 in Hongje-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, featuring the story of firefighters coming together.