On January 3, a flag symbolizing the U.S. state of Virginia was raised at Gwangju City Hall. The people of Gwangju, who carry the trauma of the tragedy 45 years ago when they endured martial law and were crushed under the military’s force, find this recent martial law incident to hold particularly profound significance. (Image: Mayor Kang Gi-jung Facebook Channel)
GWANGJU, Jan. 3 (Korea Bizwire) —On January 3, 2025, as South Korea’s High-Ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Agency (CIO) attempted to execute an arrest warrant against President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of insurrection, a symbolic gesture captured national attention.
At Gwangju City Hall, a Virginia state flag—known for its historical association with resistance against tyranny—was raised, with Mayor Kang Gi-jung sharing its imagery on social media.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Kang remarked, “On the morning of President Yoon’s arrest, the state flag and a certificate of appreciation from the Governor of Virginia arrived. The flag’s inscription carries profound meaning: ‘Sic semper tyrannis.’”
The Latin phrase, Virginia’s state motto, translates to “Thus always to tyrants,” or more commonly interpreted as, “Tyrants will always meet their downfall.”
The flag, adopted by Virginia in 1776 during its declaration of independence from Britain, features Virtus, the Roman goddess of virtue, standing over a defeated tyrant. The image underscores the universal truth, Kang noted, “that those who abuse power are inevitably doomed to fall.”
Meanwhile, the CIO faced significant resistance during its attempt to arrest President Yoon. Arriving at the president’s residence at 8:02 a.m., investigators breached two security perimeters but were blocked at the doorstep by presidential guards, resulting in a tense four-hour standoff.
By 1:30 p.m., the agency suspended its efforts, citing concerns for personnel safety amid the prolonged confrontation.
In a statement, the CIO expressed “deep regret over the suspect’s refusal to comply with legal procedures” and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the law.
The event has sparked intense public debate, further escalating the political tensions surrounding President Yoon’s administration as South Korea enters 2025.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
