Seoul, December 16, 2024 – The Europe Today: Han Dong-hoon, the leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party, announced his resignation on Monday in the wake of the National Assembly’s decision to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol over his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month.
Speaking at a press conference, Han cited mounting pressure from the party’s Supreme Council as the primary reason for his decision, according to Yonhap News Agency. “In light of recent developments, I can no longer fulfill my duties as party leader,” Han stated.
The announcement follows the passage of an impeachment motion on Saturday by the National Assembly, which accused President Yoon of violating the constitution with his December 3 martial law declaration. The motion was approved with 204 votes in favor and 85 against, surpassing the required qualified majority.
The 300-seat National Assembly, dominated by the opposition bloc with 192 seats, needed support from at least eight lawmakers from the ruling party to pass the impeachment motion. The outcome underscores deepening divisions within South Korea’s political landscape.
As the impeachment process advances, political uncertainty looms large, with analysts pointing to potential ramifications for the People Power Party and its leadership. President Yoon’s martial law declaration had drawn widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, further intensifying political polarization in the country.
The Constitutional Court is now tasked with reviewing the impeachment motion, a process that could take up to six months. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is expected to assume interim presidential duties.
