Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 14th after the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol was passed, "Now conflict and confrontation will begin again. The battle within Yeouido will expand into clashes on the ground," noting, "At this moment, we must not part ways in celebration, but continue to fight so that Yoon Seok-yeol can be quickly dismissed."
Lee spoke at around 5:58 p.m. on the stage of the rally calling for the immediate resignation of President Yoon, organized by the 'Emergency Action for Social Reform,' in front of the National Assembly, where he said, "A big challenge awaits us. They do not give up." This speech also doubled as a statement of Lee's position regarding the passing of the impeachment motion against President Yoon. In his statement, Lee referred to President Yoon simply as 'Yoon Seok-yeol.'
In Lee's speech, which lasted about six minutes, he consistently contrasted 'us' and 'them,' referring to 'us' 16 times and 'them' four times. Lee stated, "They deny a nation where the people are the owners and constantly scheme to revert to one they dominate," adding, "We must unite to block their counterattack and move towards ultimate victory by holding hands and advancing together."
During the rally calling for President Yoon's impeachment, held after the Dec. 3 emergency martial law situation, candles from past rallies were replaced by support sticks in various colors and shapes. Lee remarked, "Although we endure this moment of suffering due to impulsive and inadequate individuals and forces, our people have proven that the citizens are the true owners of this country with their beautiful lights."
"As we achieved a bloodless candlelight revolution before, we are again crafting a revolution of light," Lee continued, "Let us show the world, and the entire globe, this time how healthy our democracy is and how great the Korean people are." He added, "Now, let us begin a new democracy, one that involves direct participation of the people in the field."
The impeachment motion against President Yoon was jointly proposed by six opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Korea, National Innovation Party, Reformist Party, Progressive Party, Basic Income Party, and Social Democratic Party. Representatives from all except the Reformist Party took to the stage to deliver speeches.
Yong Hye-in, leader of the Basic Income Party, said, "The People Power Party, which should reflect and bow its head, might arrogantly claim that the impeachment has concluded," and noted, "The people will not tolerate it."
Kim Sun-min, an acting representative of the National Innovation Party who lost parliamentary position after a two-year prison sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court, said, "During the last general election, I heard the slogan 'three years is too long.' Do you remember Representative Cho Guk?" Kim added, "Our comrade, our representative, bid farewell today."
Kim Jae-yeon, leader of the Progressive Party, stated, "The leader of rebellion, Yoon Seok-yeol, is hiding in Hannam-dong even at this moment," adding, "Let us arrest and dismiss the leader of rebellion, Yoon Seok-yeol, so that the people can sleep peacefully." Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, said, "You have stopped the rise of far-right forces," and noted, "You are the owners of South Korea."