Calling for Constitutional Reform... Jeon Han-gil Warns 'Korea Is Like the Late Joseon Dynasty'

During a closed-door forum held in Seoul on April 29, historian and lecturer Jeon Han-gil shared his views on the recent state of emergency controversy, allegations of election fraud, the significance of the upcoming presidential election, and the pressing need for constitutional reform.

Jeon explained that former President Yoon Suk-yeol's decision to declare a state of emergency stemmed from a desire to "eliminate anti-state forces," noting that there were initial concerns over the potential for bloodshed. Reflecting on the aftermath of the National Assembly's impeachment vote, he said he realized that the judiciary, media, and National Election Commission had already fallen under the control of cartel-like forces.

Jeon further claimed that during the period of emergency, intelligence reports indicated that North Korean and Chinese influences were manipulating the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Candlelight Action protests.

He criticized the judiciary under Chief Justice Kim Myeong-soo for losing public trust and accused the media of distorting public opinion through biased reporting.

On the issue of election fraud, Jeon asserted that his claims were based on certainty rather than conspiracy. He cited the 2020 general election, pointing out that advance voting results across 427 districts in Seoul consistently showed a 63 to 36 ratio, comparing it to "the probability of flipping the same side of a coin 500 times." He also highlighted irregularities such as the absence of personal seals from election managers on advance ballots and the ease of resealing ballot boxes.

Earlier this month, Jeon formally submitted demands to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission, calling for mandatory personal sealing on advance ballots, 24-hour human surveillance of ballot boxes, and the introduction of tamper-evident seals. He warned that if no response was received by April 29, he would consider initiating a movement to reject election results and exercise the people's right to resistance.

Regarding a reported meeting at the Hannam-dong official residence, Jeon alleged that former President Yoon was approached with an offer — relayed through Kim Keon-hee — to end his term early in exchange for the dismissal of impeachment proceedings, but that Yoon refused. Jeon added that Yoon referenced American conservative figure Barry Goldwater, emphasizing the need to promote values of freedom, rule of law, and rationality among Korea's younger generation.

Upcoming Presidential Election Framed as "Systemic War"

Jeon described the next presidential election as a "systemic war" between preserving liberal democracy and allowing pro-China and pro-North Korea forces to seize power. He noted that although he had refrained from publicly criticizing the People Power Party to prevent internal division, he would be willing to take on any role—whether in campaign committees or on the streets—if a broad anti-Lee Jae-myung coalition were formed.

Jeon warned that if Lee Jae-myung were to win, policies such as breaking up conglomerates, weakening the National Intelligence Service and the Defense Counterintelligence Command, and gaining control over the Ministry of Economy and Finance's budget authority could result in "the rise of a second Hitler."

He outlined five essential conditions for a conservative victory: continuation of Yoon Suk-yeol’s values, securing support from the 2030 generation and moderates, unification of candidates, defending against election fraud, and strengthening organizational unity.

Jeon emphasized constitutional reform as the next administration's highest priority. He criticized the current five-year single-term presidency as "a monster born from dictatorship trauma," and proposed reforms including a four-year two-term presidency, the establishment of a vice presidency, and granting the National Assembly the power of dissolution. He suggested holding a national referendum on these reforms alongside next year's local elections.

"Korea Today is Like the Late Joseon Dynasty"

Discussing Korea's historical crisis, Jeon warned that "today's Korea is exactly like the late Joseon Dynasty," when many failed to recognize the looming threat of colonization. He stressed that under China's "One China" strategy, South Korea risks becoming "a second Hong Kong," citing serious infiltration through political, judicial, and media cartels.

Jeon called for urgent public awakening, warning that only a vigilant citizenry could prevent the repetition of historical tragedy.

He concluded the forum by pledging, "If the country collapses, there is no future for our youth," vowing to continue working with the 2030 generation to safeguard liberal democracy through vigorous media and education campaigns.