“I wanted to counter the words, ‘What are you doing speaking up, ignorant as you are,’ and ‘Do you think people will listen to someone like you?’”
A woman who introduced herself as a karaoke helper raised her voice during a rally calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
In a video titled ‘Busan Citizens’ Rally for Yoon Suk Yeol’s Impeachment and Arrest’ posted on Busan MBC’s YouTube channel on the 11th, the woman stated, “I know many people have prejudices and will scorn or point fingers at me, but today I stood up here with courage to fulfill my rights and duties as a citizen of a democratic society.”
She said, “I stood here to earnestly request one thing, and that is to continue to pay attention to politics and the marginalized citizens around us even after we safely overcome this ordeal.”
She also expressed frustration about the phenomenon of men in their 20s and 30s and older people supporting the People Power Party. She noted, “We impeached Park Geun-hye and will impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, but at the same time, half of the people had voted for Park Geun-hye and Yoon Suk Yeol.” She continued, “Whether it was because house prices were rising, to check North Korea, or because the people in one's community were instigating, half of the people were supporting the People Power Party (the ruling party).”
She explained, “Why are men in their 20s and 30s and older people supporting the People Power Party? It is because of the lack of civic education and the absence of appropriate communities for them.”
She again urged attention to the less privileged. She stated, “We are standing in the middle of an era where the global rightward shift is accelerating. If we cannot stop this massive trend, another Yoon Suk Yeol, another Park Geun-hye, another Chun Doo-hwan, and another Park Chung-hee will threaten our democracy.”
She added, “Please take an interest in the marginalized around us and democracy. Only your attention can save the less privileged.”
Finally, she said, “If discrimination or hatred towards the disabled, women, sexual minorities, migrant workers, and regions is not resolved, our democracy is not perfect. Even if we safely pass this hurdle, please do not think this is the end.”
Meanwhile, the second impeachment motion against President Yoon is scheduled to be voted on at 5 p.m. on the 14th.