South Korean Opposition Legislators to Begin Hunger Strike Demanding President Yoon's Ouster

Synopsis

On March 11, South Korean opposition lawmakers announced a hunger strike demanding the Constitutional Court's ruling for the removal of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his failed attempt at imposing martial law. The protest involves key political figures from various opposition parties.

Key Takeaways

Opposition lawmakers in South Korea are staging a hunger strike.
They demand a ruling for the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The protest follows allegations of Yoon's failed martial law attempt.
Key opposition parties are collaborating in this initiative.
The ruling People Power Party has opted not to engage in protests.

Seoul, March 11 (NationPress) A faction of South Korean Opposition lawmakers announced on Tuesday their intention to initiate a hunger strike, seeking a ruling from the Constitutional Court for the official ousting of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law.

A coalition of lawmakers from prominent parties, including the Democratic Party (DP), the Rebuilding Korea Party, and the Progressive Party, informed the press of their plans to engage in a hunger strike, urging the court to swiftly remove Yoon, who was recently released from detention.

Yoon's release was granted by another court, which determined he could face trial without being physically detained, amid concerns regarding the legality of the investigations regarding his charges.

They asserted, "Yoon Suk Yeol must be returned to jail," urging the court for his immediate detention, labeling him as the "mastermind behind the insurrection."

Additionally, they called for the resignation of Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, who facilitated Yoon's release, and demanded the disbandment of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), accusing it of hindering Yoon's impeachment.

Earlier, the DP and the Rebuilding Korea Party established tents in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to persist with their outdoor demonstrations.

DP Representatives Park Hong-bae and Kim Moon-soo stated they planned to shave their heads later in the day, in a protest demanding Yoon's removal from office, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Conversely, the PPP indicated it has no intentions of organizing rallies or taking any "collective action" in response to the Opposition.

"If a particular issue arises, we may consider collective action, but we will hold various meetings to articulate our stance, unlike the DP, who will not resort to protests or hunger strikes to influence the Constitutional Court," stated PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong after a general assembly of the party's legislators.

Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly due to his brief declaration of martial law on December 3. He also faced allegations of deploying military forces to the National Assembly to obstruct lawmakers from voting against the martial law declaration and planning to detain key political figures.