In a dramatic turn of events, Han Dong-hoon, leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, has called for the immediate suspension of President Yoon Suk-yeol. Han argued that President Yoon poses a significant threat to the nation and its citizens, citing newly revealed facts.
During an emergency meeting of the People Power Party leadership, Han stated he possesses \"credible evidence\" that President Yoon mobilized troops with the intent to arrest politicians during the recent declaration of martial law. \"I learned last night the president ordered the defense counterintelligence commander to arrest major political leaders, characterizing them as anti-state forces, and mobilized intelligence institutions in the process,\" Han asserted.
Han expressed deep concerns that if President Yoon remains in office, there is a risk of extreme actions, such as emergency martial law, recurring. He emphasized, \"It's my judgment that an immediate suspension of President Yoon's official duties is necessary to protect South Korea and its people.\"
Interestingly, Han's stance marks a shift from his earlier position the previous day when he vowed to oppose the opposition-led impeachment motion that seeks to suspend President Yoon's duties. However, Han stopped short of explicitly calling for impeachment.
Echoing Han's sentiments, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized the urgency of suspending President Yoon, declaring it \"crucial to suspend Yoon as quickly as possible.\" The opposition is set to hold a parliamentary vote on Yoon's impeachment on Saturday, requiring at least 200 votes in the 300-seat National Assembly to pass.
Should impeachment succeed, President Yoon would lose his constitutional powers immediately, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume leadership in an acting capacity until the Constitutional Court decides on the matter.
Amid these political upheavals, Prime Minister Han has urged all cabinet members and public servants to maintain their positions to ensure national stability and allow citizens to continue their daily lives without fear.
Public sentiment appears to be shifting sharply against President Yoon, with his approval rating plummeting to a record low of 16 percent, according to a recent Gallup Korea poll. Negative perceptions of Yoon's governance have surged to 75 percent, signaling widespread discontent.
Mass protests are erupting across South Korea, with diverse groups—including educators, religious leaders, NGOs, and artists—participating in candlelight vigils and rallies. These demonstrations condemn President Yoon's controversial martial law declaration, reflecting a unified demand for his resignation.
Since announcing the lifting of emergency martial law, President Yoon has remained off the public stage, adding to the growing unease and uncertainty surrounding his administration.
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S. Korean ruling party chief urges President Yoon's suspension of duty
cgtn.com
