PPP Leader of South Korea Acknowledges Early Resignation of Yoon is Inevitable, Holds Urgent Meeting with PM
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Seoul, Dec 7 (NationPress) The South Korean head of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) stated on Saturday that it has become unavoidable for President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign ahead of schedule, after he issued a public apology concerning the political turmoil triggered by this week's unsuccessful martial law announcement.
Han Dong-hoon informed reporters, "An early resignation (of Yoon) is unavoidable," emphasizing that the president is no longer capable of fulfilling his responsibilities effectively, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
It remains unclear whether Han supports Yoon's impeachment or if he is advocating for a voluntary resignation from the President.
On Friday, Han seemed to indicate his backing for an opposition-led impeachment initiative, referencing the potential for the President to engage in "radical" actions again, despite significant opposition within the PPP.
These remarks followed Yoon's national address, in which he mentioned he would leave the decision regarding his term to the PPP, as the opposition-led National Assembly is poised to vote on an impeachment motion later that day due to the country's martial law debacle earlier this week.
When questioned about the possibility of amending the Constitution to shorten the presidential term, Han stated that the party would review and discuss the most appropriate course of action.
In the wake of Yoon's recent address, political analysts are speculating about the PPP potentially considering constitutional amendments to facilitate Yoon's orderly departure from the presidency, rather than a politically tumultuous and humiliating impeachment process.
Han, a former prosecutor and former close advisor to Yoon, also noted he would confer with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on crucial issues, especially those affecting citizens' welfare, to mitigate possible repercussions.
Shortly thereafter, the PPP leader convened with the Prime Minister to address urgent matters aimed at alleviating public dissatisfaction and to propose strategies for stabilizing the government.
"I have requested the Prime Minister to carefully and steadily manage issues related to the public's welfare and state governance, ensuring that the public does not feel anxious," Han remarked to reporters after the meeting.
As Prime Minister, Han would take on the role of acting president if Yoon is suspended from his duties.
