Opposition Lawmakers in South Korea Begin Hunger Strike Demanding Yoon's Ouster

Synopsis

On March 11, opposition lawmakers in South Korea commenced a hunger strike, urging the Constitutional Court to remove impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office due to his failed attempt at martial law. The opposition seeks immediate action against Yoon and demands accountability from the Prosecutor General.

Key Takeaways

Opposition lawmakers initiated a hunger strike.
They demand Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office.
There are calls for the resignation of the Prosecutor General.
The ruling People Power Party is accused of obstructing impeachment.
South Korean Acting President pledges zero tolerance for violence.

Seoul, March 11 (NationPress) A faction of lawmakers from South Korea's opposition parties initiated a hunger strike on Tuesday, demanding a ruling from the Constitutional Court to formally oust impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from his position due to his unsuccessful attempt to enforce martial law.

This group, which includes members from the major opposition Democratic Party (DP), the Rebuilding Korea Party, and the Progressive Party, is pushing for the court to swiftly dismiss Yoon, who was released from detention just last Saturday.

Yoon's release was granted by another court, permitting him to be tried without physical detention, citing uncertainties surrounding the legality of the investigations related to his charges.

"Yoon Suk Yeol must return to jail," the lawmakers stated, urging the court to "immediately detain Yoon, the mastermind behind the insurrection."

They also called for the resignation of Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, responsible for Yoon's release, and demanded the disbandment of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), claiming it is obstructing Yoon's impeachment process.

DP representatives Park Hong-bae, Kim Moon-soo, and Jeon Jin-sook shaved their heads outside the main building of the National Assembly, insisting on Yoon's removal from office.

Earlier that day, the DP and the Rebuilding Korea Party set up tents in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to continue their outdoor protests.

In response, the PPP announced it had no plans for rallies or any form of "collective action" regarding the opposition's activities.

"If a specific issue arises, we may consider collective action; however, we will hold various meetings to convey our position, and unlike the DP, we will not engage in street protests or hunger strikes to pressure the Constitutional Court," stated PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong to reporters after a general meeting of the party's lawmakers, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Earlier that day, South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok asserted a policy of "zero tolerance" towards any violent acts as the Constitutional Court is poised to deliver its ruling regarding the reinstatement or removal of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The court is anticipated to announce its decision as early as this week, raising alarms about potential confrontations as both Yoon's supporters and detractors are expected to gather in sizable numbers.