South Korean opposition leader to go on hunger strike against gov't

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung Thursday said he will go on an indefinite hunger strike against President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration, accusing it of “harming” democracy and people's livelihoods.

Dubbing his move as “national resistance against the incompetent and violent” government of Yoon, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, said he considers fasting as the “ultimate measure,” Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

Lee completed his one-year chairmanship of the opposition party.

“The Yoon Suk Yeol administration has destroyed the constitutional order and democracy and declared war on the people,” Lee said.

“I will prevent the destruction of democracy with the determination to sacrifice my life. As a last resort, I will go on an indefinite hunger strike starting today,” he added.

Lee also demanded Yoon’s apology for “undermining” livelihoods and democracy and called on the South Korean president to condemn Japan's release of radioactive water into the sea.