Political Divide Deepens on Anniversary of 'December 3rd Emergency Decree'

The political sphere is deeply divided on the interpretation of events surrounding the anniversary of the 'December 3rd Emergency Decree.' The ruling party strongly criticizes the opposition's push for a special prosecutor as a political ploy, exacerbating political tensions. Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae stated at a press conference commemorating the anniversary, "We will push for the establishment of a special tribunal dedicated to investigating insurrection and conduct a second comprehensive special investigation following the conclusion of the three existing special probes to uncover historical truths and hold those responsible accountable." He particularly emphasized, "A thorough investigation into the unconstitutional nature of the emergency decree and the illegal abuse of power at the time is necessary." In response, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok dismissed Chung's claims as "a clear political maneuver aimed at rallying support ahead of the June local elections next year." Jang criticized the opposition's claims, stating, "Their assertions reveal an impure intention to exploit issues that have already been investigated multiple times as tools for political strife." Citing the results of the special investigation into Marine Lance Corporal Chae's death, Chung argued, "After 150 days of investigation, 33 individuals, including President Yoon Suk-yeol and former division commander Lim Seong-geun, were indicted. However, the core suspicion of lobbying to protect former commander Lim Seong-geun remains unclear." He added, "Since the special investigation results are insufficient, the truth must be revealed through a second comprehensive special investigation." The Democratic Party stated that the scope and targets of the second comprehensive special investigation would include "all allegations of abuse of power during the 'December 3rd Emergency Decree,' including illegal financial support, media control, and surveillance of civilians." They also asserted that "a thorough investigation into attempts by those involved to destroy and conceal evidence must be conducted." The People Power Party maintains its stance that the Democratic Party's pursuit of a special investigation "does not contribute to resolving current livelihood issues due to an excessive obsession with past issues." They also criticized that "pushing for another special investigation on matters already decided by the courts is an act of disregarding the judiciary's judgment."

Meanwhile, the warrant hearing for former People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho is scheduled for December 2nd, drawing significant attention from the political world. Choo is suspected of involvement in the military's financial support process during the 'December 3rd Emergency Decree.' On December 4, 2024, a vote was held to lift the 'December 3rd Emergency Decree,' resulting in its removal by a majority vote. The vote occurred amidst sharp conflict between the ruling and opposition parties, and political tensions persisted even after the lifting of the emergency decree. One of the still-controversial issues related to the 'December 3rd Emergency Decree' is the justification for the declaration of martial law at the time. The opposition party claims that "the conditions for declaring martial law were not met, yet the military illegally seized power and declared martial law." Conversely, the ruling party argues that "it was an unavoidable measure to manage social unrest and protect national security at the time." The human rights violations that occurred under martial law at the time are also a central point of contention. The opposition party criticizes that "the martial law forces illegally arrested and detained civilians, suppressed freedom of the press, and restricted freedom of assembly and demonstration." In response, the ruling party clarifies that "some human rights violations may have occurred in unavoidable circumstances, but overall, it was an effort to maintain law and order." Some legal scholars have suggested that the legal legitimacy of the 'December 3rd Emergency Decree' was "an unconstitutional measure that violated the procedures stipulated in the constitution and laws at the time and infringed upon fundamental rights." On the other hand, other legal scholars argue that "exceptional clauses stipulated in the constitution can be applied in national emergency situations, and the declaration of martial law falls under the president's inherent authority." Amidst escalating political conflict, testimonies from those involved in the 'December 3rd Emergency Decree' and the successive release of new materials are expected to continue the efforts to uncover the truth about the incident.