Han Dong Hoon, the leader of South Korea’s People Power Party, resigned following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol by the National Assembly. This occurred just a week after Yoon’s failed attempt to declare martial law, which led to his suspension.
Han explained that his decision to support Yoon’s impeachment made his position untenable. During a press conference, he said, “Martial law in the advanced nation that is South Korea, in 2024. How angry and disappointed must you all have been?” His resignation came shortly after the Constitutional Court began reviewing Yoon’s impeachment.
Additionally, investigators are preparing to question President Yoon this week. Han, once a close ally of Yoon, had previously served as the Justice Minister. Han further explained that he broke ties with Yoon because of the martial law issue. He stated, “Even though [the martial law] was done by a president our party produced, being misunderstood as defending illegal martial law that mobilised the military is a betrayal of this great country.” Han expressed his fear of potential violence between citizens and soldiers if the martial law had continued.
Furthermore, Han apologized for the ongoing political turmoil. He admitted he tried every possible solution to avoid impeachment but was unable to find one. “I tried in every possible way to find a better path for this country other than impeachment, but in the end, I could not. It’s all because of my shortcomings. I’m sorry,” Han said.
The resignation marked the end of the alliance between Han and Yoon. Initially, they had worked together as prosecutors before Yoon entered politics. However, tensions arose when Han suggested that Yoon and his wife should apologize for a controversy involving a luxury Dior bag. This divide deepened when it was revealed that Yoon had ordered the arrest of Han and others during the brief martial law. As a result, Han called for Yoon’s impeachment, declaring him “a great danger to democracy.”
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court began hearing Yoon’s impeachment case on Monday. All six current justices attended the first meeting. The court now has 180 days to decide whether Yoon should be removed from office. If Yoon is ousted, a national election will be held within 60 days to choose his successor. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume the role of acting president.
In addition, Yoon and several senior officials could face charges of insurrection, abuse of authority, and obstructing citizens’ rights due to the martial law incident. Investigators from various agencies, including the police, defense ministry, and anti-corruption agency, are planning to question Yoon on Wednesday. It’s worth noting that the martial law lasted only six hours, as the National Assembly overturned it despite opposition from the South Korean military.
