SEOUL – The Asia Journalist Association (AJA) held a press conference on March 4, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea regarding South Korea’s current martial law and impeachment crisis. The association expressed its hope that Korea would swiftly overcome the turmoil and reaffirm its role as a model for Asia through a more advanced democracy and strong leadership.The press conference, held at the Korea Press Center, was attended by AJA President Sophal Chhay (Cambodia), former AJA Vice President Eddy Suprapto (Indonesia), AJA Vice President Kang Seok-jae (South Korea, former journalist at The Korea Herald), and founding AJA President Lee Sang-ki (publisher of The AsiaN, former journalist at The Hankyoreh). During the event, the AJA revealed a statement titled “1,000 Asian Journalists’ Signatures in Support of Korea’s Democratic Recovery.”
In the statement, the AJA noted, “Korea, which overcame Japanese colonial rule and the Korean War to achieve industrialization, democratization, and modernization, has long been a model nation in Asia. However, the recent political turmoil has brought great disappointment.” The association further emphasized, “We hope Korea will swiftly overcome this crisis and emerge even stronger, continuing to play a leading role as Asia’s foremost nation.”
The statement also highlighted Korea’s growing global influence, saying, “Last December, Korean writer Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature, filling Asians with pride. In recent years, Korea has captured the world’s attention not only through cultural and sports achievements but also in the semiconductor and medical industries, coining globally recognized ‘K-’ terms. We urge Korea to overcome this crisis promptly and take an active role in solving regional issues while contributing to global peace.”
The AJA specifically called on South Korea’s ruling and opposition parties to prioritize national unity over political interests, stating, “Both sides must recognize their shared fate and work together. Communication and integration are essential to overcoming division and conflict.” The association outlined six key points in its statement, urging Korea’s leadership and people to navigate through the crisis and emerge stronger.
Following the press conference, the AJA announced that more than 30 member countries will continue to monitor Korea’s democratic progress while gathering additional signatures in solidarity. Since mid-February, the AJA has been collecting signatures from local journalists in over 30 Asian countries, following consultations with its Executive Board and leadership. The participating countries include Cambodia (AJA’s presidency nation), South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Taiwan, Nepal, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Qatar, and Laos.