In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s political landscape faced a significant upheaval as Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, announced his resignation on Monday. The decision came just days after President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached by the National Assembly last Saturday.
Speaking at a televised press conference, Han expressed that his resignation was inevitable following the collapse of the party’s supreme council, which disbanded after all its members stepped down. “With the council dissolved, it is impossible for me to carry out my duties as the party leader,” Han stated solemnly.
Han offered a heartfelt apology to the nation, particularly to those affected by the imposition of emergency martial law declared by President Yoon on the night of December 3. The martial law, which stirred widespread concern, was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours after its enactment.
“We endeavored tirelessly to find a better path for our country than the impeachment of President Yoon,” Han remarked. “Regrettably, our efforts yielded no viable alternative.” Han had previously advocated for an “orderly resignation” of the president in hopes of mitigating the political crisis.
His resignation marks a turbulent end to his brief tenure, having served less than five months since his election as party leader on July 23. The political turmoil has left the ruling party in disarray, with all five elected members of the People Power Party’s supreme council also expressing their intentions to step down.
The National Assembly’s passage of the second motion to impeach President Yoon signals a critical juncture for South Korea. The motion has been forwarded to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate. During this period, President Yoon’s powers are suspended, leaving the nation in a state of uncertainty.
In the wake of these developments, floor leader Kweon Seong-dong will assume the role of acting leader of the ruling party. The coming months are set to be a pivotal period for South Korea as it navigates this unprecedented political challenge.
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South Korea's ruling party leader resigns after Yoon's impeachment
cgtn.com
