South Korea is facing a significant political upheaval as Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, announced his resignation on Monday. This development comes in the wake of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment by the National Assembly last Saturday.
In a televised press conference, Han stated that his resignation was inevitable after the party’s supreme council collapsed due to the resignation of its members. “It is impossible for me to carry out my duties as the party leader under these circumstances,” Han remarked solemnly.
Han expressed his apologies to the citizens affected by the imposition of emergency martial law, which was declared by President Yoon on the night of December 3 but was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly hours later. “Efforts were made to find a better way for the country other than Yoon’s impeachment, but to no avail,” he noted, referencing his earlier push for an “orderly resignation” of the president.
His resignation marks a tumultuous period less than five months after he was elected as the party leader on July 23. The political stability of the ruling party is now in question, with all five elected members of its supreme council expressing their willingness to step down following the impeachment.
The National Assembly passed the second motion to impeach President Yoon on Saturday, delivering it to the constitutional court for deliberation, which could take up to 180 days. During this period, President Yoon’s powers are suspended, adding to the uncertainty in the nation’s leadership.
With Han’s departure, floor leader Kweon Seong-dong is set to serve as the acting leader of the People Power Party. The party now faces the challenge of navigating through this crisis while maintaining governance and public trust.
Reference(s):
South Korea's ruling party leader resigns after Yoon's impeachment
cgtn.com
