South Korea is facing a political showdown as National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik slammed a joint statement by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon, calling it a “blatant violation of the Constitution.” The controversial statement declared that President Yoon Suk-yeol would step back from handling the country’s affairs before his term ends.
At a press conference on Sunday, Speaker Woo accused the prime minister and ruling party of attempting to exercise presidential power unlawfully. “The transfer of presidential power comes from the people,” he emphasized. “Such a process should abide by the Constitution and the principle of popular sovereignty. Impeachment is the only legal procedure to suspend the president from carrying out his duties.”
He urged immediate talks between the ruling party and the main opposition to address the suspension of President Yoon’s duties and resolve the escalating political turmoil. The tensions follow President Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on Tuesday, which has already stirred unrest in the nation.
The situation intensified when President Yoon accepted the resignation of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min. Lee stated, “I believe stepping down is necessary to prevent further disruptions and confusion in governance.” His resignation came after the main opposition Democratic Party filed an impeachment motion accusing him of involvement in the martial law declaration and using police to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly.
The unfolding events have left many young South Koreans watching closely as their nation’s leadership navigates this constitutional crisis.
Reference(s):
S. Korean parliament speaker: Joint statement is unconstitutional
cgtn.com
