17 organizations jointly issue call for action
On Wednesday, 566 manga and webtoon artists issued a collective statement on the political situation in South Korea.
The statement criticized President Yun Seok-yeol for declaring martial law on December 4. Following the statement, President Yoon attempted to depose the National Assembly and arrest opposition lawmakers and media figures.
However, Congress passed a resolution to lift martial law within three hours, effectively ending the state of emergency in just six hours. Although the statement was brief, martial law attracted global media attention. The consequences include sharp rises in exchange rates and plummeting stock prices. Additionally, more than one million citizens have since taken to the streets to demand President Yoon’s impeachment.
Seventeen groups including the Korean Cartoonists Association and the Online Cartoons Association jointly called for action, stating that “President Yoon must be impeached, suspended from office, and immediately detained for a thorough investigation.” The organizations further emphasized that “South Korea’s democracy and the survival of its people are seriously threatened” and warned that without strong investigation and law enforcement, the country’s constitutional order and public security cannot be restored.
Webtoon artists who have joined the movement include Kang Full, Il-Kwon Ha and Gye-young Chun, as well as critics and industry professionals.
On December 14, the South Korean Congress passed an impeachment motion. President Yoon’s impeachment trial has now begun.
Source: Cartoonists Unite website
