South Korea in crisis: Ruling party leader calls for suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol

‘Great danger’ to South Korea unless President Yoon suspended, says ruling party leader

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 to safeguard the country from “grave danger.” Han’s statement on Friday follows revelations that Yoon allegedly ordered the arrests of key politicians during a brief martial law declaration earlier this week. The announcement intensifies the political turmoil engulfing South Korea and adds pressure ahead of an anticipated impeachment vote in parliament.

Martial law sparks outrage and political backlash

President Yoon’s late-night declaration of martial law on Tuesday, though struck down by lawmakers within hours, provoked shock and widespread condemnation. The decree, which bypassed the legislature, saw military deployment to the capital and disrupted civil order. Protesters and opposition leaders swiftly denounced the move, demanding Yoon’s resignation and calling for impeachment.

Han, who initially opposed impeachment to prevent “unprepared chaos,” reversed his position after what he described as receiving “credible evidence” of Yoon’s direct involvement in the martial law orders. “If President Yoon continues to hold the presidency, there is a significant risk of such extreme actions being repeated,” Han said.

Divided ruling party grapples with crisis

Han’s comments reflect growing dissent within the People Power Party. While the party has criticized Yoon’s actions, it has so far avoided fully endorsing his impeachment. Jehua Ryu, deputy director of the party’s Strategy Planning Headquarters, clarified on Friday that Han’s call for suspension does not equate to supporting impeachment. “Suspension is not impeachment. There are various ways to suspend President Yoon’s authority,” Ryu told reporters, adding that Han had requested a meeting with Yoon.

Despite his caution regarding impeachment, Han has openly condemned Yoon’s decree as unconstitutional and urged him to resign from the party. “What happened Tuesday evening left a big scar on Korea and our party,” Han said, recounting his reaction upon learning of the martial law declaration through television rather than official channels.

Swift response from Parliament

The martial law order triggered an unprecedented response from lawmakers, including Han himself, who raced to the National Assembly to ensure participation in the emergency vote. Despite military-imposed restrictions, Han and 18 ruling party lawmakers joined the unanimous decision to overturn the decree. “South Korea has a strong tradition of resolving crises democratically and through solidarity,” Han said, emphasizing the swift reversal as a testament to the country’s political maturity.

Impeachment on the horizon

As calls for Yoon’s resignation grow louder, lawmakers are preparing for an impeachment vote expected within two days. Under South Korea’s constitution, impeachment requires approval by two-thirds of the 300-seat legislature before being reviewed by the Constitutional Court. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and minor independents, control 192 seats, needing at least eight votes from Yoon’s party to move the motion forward.

A nation at a crossroads

The unfolding crisis has exposed deep fractures within South Korea’s political system, drawing attention to the historical weight of martial law in a nation that endured decades of military dictatorship. While Yoon’s actions have triggered widespread criticism, the rapid parliamentary response and the ruling party’s internal pushback highlight the resilience of South Korea’s democracy.

As the impeachment motion looms, the country faces a critical moment in determining the trajectory of its political future and reaffirming its democratic principles.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post South Korea in crisis: Ruling party leader calls for suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared first on PGurus.