South Korea’s president refuses to attend hearing, ruling party leader resigns
The leader of South Korea’s ruling People’s Power Party resigned after supporting the impeachment of President Yun Seok-yeol for trying to impose martial law.
Han Dong-hoon, once a close ally of Mr Yoon, said he feared violence would break out if martial law was not lifted and defended his decision as a stance against illegal behavior. “In 2024, martial law will be imposed in the advanced country of South Korea. How angry and disappointed must you feel?” he told a news conference on Monday.
“While this is what our party has produced as a president, to be misconstrued as defending illegal martial law that mobilizes the military is a betrayal of this great country.
I tried my best to find a better way out for this country than impeachment, but ultimately failed. All this is because of my shortcomings. sorry.
Mr Han’s relationship with Mr Yoon began to sour earlier this year when Mr Han suggested the first lady apologize over allegations of accepting a luxury Dior bag.
The rift widened after it was revealed that Mr Yoon had ordered the arrest of Mr Han and other politicians under martial law.
Mr Han later called for the impeachment of Yoon Eun-hye, who he said was a threat to democracy.
Meanwhile, Mr Yoon failed to be questioned at a separate inquest on Sunday, citing the need to finalize his legal defense team.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has begun reviewing Mr. Yoon’s impeachment case.
A public hearing will be held on December 27, and the court has up to six months to decide whether to remove Mr Yin from office.
Protesters celebrate the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol (Getty Images)
The impeachment follows charges of rebellion, abuse of power and obstruction of rights related to the short-lived martial law.
As a result of the impeachment, Mr Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended and Prime Minister Han Deok-soo took over as acting president.
The president commands the armed forces, makes treaties, issues pardons, vetoes bills, and appoints officials.
Mr Yoon was impeached after a second vote in parliament on Saturday. The National Assembly passed the motion with a majority of 204 votes to 85. Mr. Yoon was suspended at 7:24 pm local time, Yonhap News Agency reported.
In response, the president vowed to “never give up” and urged officials to ensure government stability during what he called a “temporary” pause in his presidency.
The acting president said he would do his best to run the government stably after Mr. Yoon’s impeachment. “My heart is very heavy,” he told reporters after parliament approved the impeachment motion.
Protesters celebrate parliament’s vote to impeach South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol (Getty Images)
Mr Yin and several senior officials may face rebellion charges for imposing martial law. A joint team from the country’s police, defense ministry and anti-corruption agency plans to question Mr Yoon on Wednesday.
The presidential security service rejected attempts to serve subpoenas on the Blue House and Mr Yoon’s official residence, the report said.
Mr Yoon came close to being impeached on Saturday after most ruling party lawmakers abstained from the vote.
But in recent weeks, as protests have grown in scale, Mr. Yoon’s approval ratings have fallen and popular discontent has surged.
Earlier on Monday, South Korea’s finance minister, the governor of the Bank of Korea and top financial regulators held a meeting and pledged to continue to monitor financial and foreign exchange markets. Reuters.
Participants hold signs at a rally in Seoul on December 15, 2024, calling on the Constitutional Court to fire President Yoon Seok-yeol.
The benchmark KOSPI index rose for a fifth straight session, reaching its highest level in more than two weeks, as authorities worked to stabilize financial markets and analysts pointed to less political uncertainty.
Mr Yoon’s unexpected martial law order and the resulting political crisis unsettled markets and raised concerns among South Korea’s diplomatic partners about its ability to deter a nuclear-armed North Korea.
South Korea’s president held a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday, his first action since taking office as acting president, reaffirming South Korea’s unwavering commitment to foreign and security policies based on the two countries’ alliance.
Korean Korean National News Reports say Mr Yoon has been banned from visiting the Blue House while the Constitutional Court reviews his impeachment.
Although Mr. Yoon’s official duties remain suspended, Mr. Yoon can stay at the presidential residence in Hannam, Seoul, and retain office privileges such as presidential limousines and airplanes. He will continue to receive a salary but will not be compensated for work expenses.
Agency’s Supplementary Report.
