The fourth 'ROK-US Alliance and Defense of Liberal Democracy Rally' (also known as the Umbrella Revolution). [Photo = Hanmi Ilbo, ROK-US Alliance Group, Daegu Struggle Headquarters]

On the afternoon of the 2nd, with the warm late spring sunshine, the 4th 'Umbrella Revolution' rally was held in Daegu, the 'heart of conservatism'.

This rally, the fourth 'ROK-US Alliance and Defense of Liberal Democracy Rally' (also known as the Umbrella Revolution), was held at 2 PM on the 2nd at the rear gate of Camp Walker, a US military base located in Nam-gu, Daegu. The organizer, the National Salvation Daegu Struggle Headquarters (Daetuhon), operated dedicated buses from Seoul and Busan for nationwide participation.

"South Korea's Military Strength is Based on the US Forces in Korea"

Actor Choi Jun-yong, participating in an asphalt rally after a long time, lamented, "It's a shame that I can only watch the sight of so many people gathered on YouTube instead of on TV." He expressed his frustration, saying, "How can Lee Jae-myung's approval rating be over 60%? Street polls show at most 25-30%."

Actor Choi Jun-yong. [YouTube Capture]

Newpas [YouTube Capture]

Professor Lee Hee-cheon [YouTube Capture]

He added, "They say our military is the 5th strongest in the world even without foreign troops (US Forces in Korea), but it's all possible thanks to the strong foundation of USFK." He expressed his gratitude, saying, "President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested, and we lost our central figure, but it's fortunate that we can unite like this around Representative Jeon Han-gil."

Newpas, a YouTuber from 'Young Frequency', emphasized, "No matter how tired and difficult things are for us, it can't be harder than it is for President Yoon Suk-yeol or First Lady Kim Keon-hee, whose sentences were increased in the second trial." He urged, "We must have courage and continue to raise our voices."

Professor Lee Hee-cheon, author of the new book 'Engineered Treason', argued, "They are trying to include the May 18th Democratization Movement in the constitutional amendment, but the May 18th Movement is essentially anti-American sentiment." He claimed, "They say that the deployment of troops to Gwangju was permitted by the US military, which holds wartime operational control. To put May 18th into the constitution is to expel the United States with anti-American sentiment."

South Korea Should Also Guarantee 'Freedom of the Press' Like the United States

Cheonjo Guk Parangi emphasized, "In the United States, freedom of expression and freedom of the press are guaranteed by the First Amendment. Freedom of the press must also be protected in South Korea."

Cheonjo Guk Parangi [YouTube Capture]

"Jae-myung, stand trial!" [Photo = Hanmi Ilbo]

He further stated, "South Korean politicians are persecuting the media that speaks the truth. President Yoon declared martial law to speak the truth. Many people, including myself, supported emergency martial law, but afterward, the absurd event of President Yoon being impeached occurred. In short, it was like a K-drama. The impeachment scenario was a scenario orchestrated by the enemy."

He also questioned whether the election of Lee Jae-myung was fair, arguing that there was too much evidence of election fraud.

Nomad Critic Yoon Seok-jong raised his voice, saying, "When no one else would speak, President Yoon Suk-yeol risked his life to cry out, 'We must eradicate anti-state forces' and 'We must eradicate forces of election fraud.'" He asked, "How can they try to negate everything established by President Syngman Rhee through constitutional amendment?"

President Yoon's Decision Will Be Judged by History

Instead of a speech, lawyer Kim So-yeon recited a letter addressed to 'Respected President Yoon Suk-yeol'.

Lawyer Kim So-yeon [YouTube Capture]

"Mr. President, we know that the current hardships are by no means personal suffering. They are a punishment imposed by the era to protect the identity on which the Republic of Korea stands, and they are the medals of protection earned while fighting the darkness hidden behind brilliant prosperity."

Following her heartfelt confession, lawyer Kim read aloud President Yoon's achievements: △ The 'Second ROK-US Mutual Defense Treaty' that rebuilt the barrier of freedom for the Republic of Korea; △ The 'Revival of Nuclear Power' which laid the foundation for an AI powerhouse; △ The victory of 'Oil Sovereignty' that protected energy security; △ The 'Pioneering of the Future' that extended beyond terrestrial prosperity to space; △ The fruits of 'Peace through Strength' and self-reliant defense; △ The national great re-engineering that led to a virtuous cycle of economy and welfare; and △ The 'Decision to Save the Nation' to correct the collapsing democracy.

She concluded the letter with the following words:

"The patriotic citizens here in Daegu remember. We remember the great resolve in August 1950, when the Republic of Korea was pushed to the brink, and the Nakdong River defense line was defended to the last, creating an opportunity for counterattack. The place where you are today, Mr. President, is the 'Nakdong River defense line' of today's Republic of Korea. Your courage and determination will be judged as a historic endeavor to save a collapsing nation. We will stand with you until the end."

Meanwhile, Representative Jeon Han-gil and Director Kim Hyun-tae, unable to use the microphones, replaced their speeches by waving to the crowd from the stage. The rally participants responded with enthusiastic cheers, all raising their umbrellas.

"See you at the 5th Umbrella Revolution in Yongsan, Seoul!" [Photo = ROK-US Alliance Group]

Reporter Lim Yo-hee