South Korea: Han Dong-hoon Resigns as Leader of Ruling Party Following Yoon's Impeachment
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Seoul, Dec 16 (NationPress) The head of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in South Korea declared on Monday that he is resigning amidst escalating internal turmoil following the National Assembly's vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.
PPP leader Han Dong-hoon made this announcement during a press conference after the impeachment motion against Yoon was approved with a tally of 204-85 on Saturday, stemming from his poorly executed declaration of martial law on December 3.
The voting results indicated that 12 PPP lawmakers may have diverged from their party's stance to support the impeachment. Han had previously shown support for Yoon's impeachment on Thursday, despite earlier advocating for the president's 'orderly' resignation.
"I am resigning as the leader of the People Power Party," Han stated.
"It has become unfeasible to fulfill my responsibilities as party leader due to the disintegration of the party's Supreme Council."
Initially, Han had pledged to remain in his role but seemed to have changed his position under increasing pressure to resign, particularly after all five elected members of the PPP's Supreme Council, known to be closely associated with Han, signaled their intention to step down, according to Yonhap news agency.
Newly appointed floor leader Kweon Seong-dong will assume the role of acting head of the conservative party, having the authority to appoint the leader of an emergency leadership committee within the party.
Earlier on Sunday, the leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP) canceled a scheduled press conference.
PPP leader Han Dong-hoon unexpectedly called off the press conference that was anticipated to announce his resignation.
Despite previously asserting his commitment to continue his duties in light of calls for his resignation following the National Assembly's impeachment vote against Yoon on Saturday, he now faces intensified demands to resign after all five elected members of the PPP's Supreme Council expressed their desire to resign. Han had supported Yoon's impeachment on Thursday while still advocating for Yoon's 'orderly' departure.
On Saturday, the National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his mishandled martial law declaration, effectively suspending him from his duties until the Constitutional Court determines whether to restore or remove him from office, with citizens expressing their approval of the impeachment.
The impeachment motion passed with a vote of 204-85, including three abstentions and eight invalid ballots, after all 300 Assembly members cast their votes.
The martial law directive, which was revoked within six hours after the Assembly rejected it, has instigated inquiries by the police, prosecution, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials to investigate if Yoon instigated an insurrection. He is currently prohibited from leaving the country.
Yoon was suspended from his duties at 7:24 p.m., coinciding with the moment the impeachment resolution was delivered to his office and approximately two and a half hours after the impeachment motion was approved.
