A coalition of journalists from over 30 Asian countries has voiced support for democracy and unity in Korea amid the ongoing political unrest following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived martial law and his subsequent impeachment trial.

The Asia Journalist Association (AJA) shared its statement, titled “1,000 Asian Journalists’ Signatures in Support of Korea’s Democratic Recovery,” during a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday, urging Korea to overcome the political turmoil and reassert its position as a strong democratic leader in Asia.

“Korea, which overcame Japanese colonial rule (1910-45) and the Korean War (1950-53) to achieve industrialization, democratization and modernization, has long been a model nation in Asia. However, the recent political turmoil has brought great disappointment,” the statement reads.

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“We hope Korea will swiftly overcome this crisis and emerge even stronger, continuing to play a leading role as Asia’s foremost nation.”

AJA President Sophalle Chhay from Cambodia and Vice President Kang Seok-jae spoke at the press conference. Former executives — founding President Lee Sang-ki and former Vice President Eddy Suprapto from Indonesia — also attended the event.

The association also emphasized Korea’s global influence, adding that solving the crisis is urgent in playing its part in world peace.

“In 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,” it said.

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“We urge Korea to overcome this crisis promptly and take an active role in resolving regional issues while contributing to global peace.”

The statement also called on Korea’s ruling and main opposition parties to pick national unity over partisan politics.

“Both sides must recognize their shared fate and work together. Communication and integration are essential to overcoming division and conflict,” it said.

Read Also: 1,000 Asian journalists urge unity to overcome conflict in South Korea

Following the press conference, the association announced that more than 30 member countries will continue to monitor Korea’s democratic progress while gathering additional signatures in solidarity.

Since last month, the AJA has been gathering signatures from journalists in over 30 countries in Asia, and consulting with its executive board and leadership. The countries include AJA’s 2025-26 presidency nation Cambodia, as well as 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.

By: Lee Gyu-lee/The Korea Times

Photo caption: Asia Journalist Association (AJA) former President Lee Sang-ki, right, speaks during a press conference at the Korea Press Center in Jung District, Seoul, Tuesday. From left are AJA Vice President Kang Seok-jae from Korea, former AJA Vice President Eddy Suprapto from Indonesia and AJA President Sophalle Chhay from Cambodia. Courtesy of AJA