In a dramatic turn of events, Han Dong-hoon, the leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party, announced his resignation on Monday following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol by parliament over the weekend.
Speaking at a televised press conference, Han stated that the party’s supreme council had collapsed after its members stepped down, leaving him unable to fulfill his duties as party leader. “I apologize to all citizens who suffered due to the imposition of emergency martial law,” Han said, referring to the controversial measure declared by President Yoon on December 3, which was revoked by the National Assembly just hours later.
Efforts to find an alternative to impeachment proved unsuccessful. Han had previously advocated for President Yoon’s “orderly resignation” to mitigate the growing political crisis. His own resignation comes less than five months after being elected party leader on July 23.
The National Assembly passed a second motion to impeach President Yoon on Saturday, sending the decision to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate. During this period, President Yoon’s powers are suspended, adding to the nation’s uncertainty.
Following the impeachment, all five elected members of the People Power Party’s supreme council indicated their intention to resign. With Han stepping down, floor leader Kweon Seong-dong will assume the role of acting leader of the ruling party.
This political upheaval marks a significant moment in South Korea’s democracy, raising questions about the future leadership and direction of the country.
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South Korea's ruling party leader resigns after Yoon's impeachment
cgtn.com
