South Korea’s ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon has called for suspending President Yoon Suk-yeol’s powers. Han cited credible evidence that Yoon ordered the arrest of political leaders under a brief martial law declaration, labeling them as “anti-state forces.” He revealed that Yoon also mobilized intelligence agencies during the process.
Initially opposing impeachment, Han changed his stance after learning of Yoon’s actions. He stated that to protect South Korea, Yoon must be promptly prevented from exercising presidential powers. Han expressed concern that Yoon’s failure to acknowledge the illegality of martial law poses a risk of future extreme actions.
On Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law in a surprise address, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korean sympathizers. The declaration lasted six hours before being overturned by a unanimous 190-0 vote in the National Assembly. During the short-lived order, troops clashed with legislators and protesters at the assembly.
Yoon now faces impeachment and treason investigations alongside former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. The opposition Democratic Party has scheduled a vote on Saturday to impeach Yoon, requiring support from at least eight ruling party members for a two-thirds majority in the 300-member assembly.
If impeachment passes, the Constitutional Court will decide whether to confirm Yoon’s removal. Han’s call marks a significant shift in the ruling party’s response, as the PPP previously opposed impeachment, fearing political backlash similar to that following former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2016.
South Korea has a history of political instability, with four of its seven presidents since the 1980s either impeached or jailed for corruption. Yoon’s potential impeachment adds to this turbulent legacy, highlighting deep divisions within the country’s political system.
