On the 7th, the day of President Yoon Suk-yeol's trial, Park Jun-young, head of the Liberty University, began a hunger strike in front of the west gate of the Seoul Central District Court. [Photo=Liberty University]

On the 7th, the day of President Yoon Suk-yeol's trial, Park Jun-young, head of Liberty University, began a hunger strike in front of the west gate of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. 

On the first day of his hunger strike, Representative Park held a placard with the slogan, "Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, please protect this country. Not guilty of rebellion!" 

He stated, "I decided to undertake a solo hunger strike protest to show the public sentiment to judicial officials at this crucial time, as the trial that has lasted for a year is coming to a close."

He added, "I have continued to fight through various rallies and social media since last year. I have been proclaiming for a year that the December 3rd state of emergency was not an act of rebellion." He expressed his determination by saying, "Just as numerous citizens voiced the same opinion in front of the Constitutional Court, the Western District Court, and the Presidential Residence last year, the public sentiment has not changed."

Representative Park expressed his disappointment, saying, "However, I have often felt that the legacy media has not properly covered this issue."

He then revealed his feelings about starting the hunger strike: "I remember how desperately countless citizens protested in front of the Constitutional Court before the impeachment ruling of President Yoon Suk-yeol. I want to let people know that that desperation still remains."

Furthermore, he conveyed his urgent feelings, "I hope that more people will join us in condemning the rebellion trial and supporting President Yoon Suk-yeol through this opportunity." 

On the 7th, the day of President Yoon Suk-yeol's trial, Park Jun-young, head of Liberty University, began his hunger strike, holding a placard with the slogan, "Judge Ji Gwi-yeon, please protect this country. Not guilty of rebellion!" [Photo=Liberty University]

Meanwhile, on the same day, Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, held a press conference at the party's headquarters in Yeouido and officially apologized, stating, "The state of emergency declared on December 3, 2024, was an inappropriate and mistaken measure for the situation." 

A citizen met at Representative Park's solo protest site commented, "Today, Representative Jang Dong-hyuk has made a fool of those who fought believing in the legitimacy of the state of emergency." He added, "I was deeply moved by the unwavering support for President Yoon shown by the young members of Liberty University, who have not yielded to the circumstances." 

Reporter Lim Yo-hee