South Korea’s Ruling Party Leader Calls for President’s Suspension Over Martial Law Decree
SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Reuters) – The leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) has stated that President Yoon Suk Yeol must be suspended from office after his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week. However, the leader stopped short of urging party members to vote for impeachment.
Martial Law Declaration Shocks Nation
President Yoon stunned the country on Tuesday when he invoked martial law, citing the need to root out “anti-state forces” and overcome political opposition. The move sparked outrage, including dissent within his own party. Parliament swiftly voted to oppose the decree, forcing Yoon to rescind the order just six hours later.
The declaration has triggered a political firestorm, with the main opposition Democratic Party planning an impeachment vote on Saturday evening. Additionally, a national police investigation has been launched into allegations of insurrection against Yoon, filed by opposition members and activists.
Ruling Party Leader Speaks Out
Following a party meeting on Friday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon revealed that Yoon had ordered the arrest of key political figures during the brief martial law period, labeling them as “anti-state forces.”
Han hinted at a potential shift in the party’s stance, citing “credible evidence” that Yoon had planned to detain political leaders in Gwacheon, just outside Seoul.
“I previously opposed impeachment to avoid unnecessary chaos,” Han said. “But based on new facts, I believe President Yoon Suk Yeol’s immediate suspension is necessary to safeguard the Republic of Korea and its people.”
Despite his remarks, Han did not explicitly endorse impeachment and declined to clarify his position when questioned by reporters.
Opposition Prepares for Impeachment Vote
Opposition lawmakers, wary of another martial law attempt, have taken turns occupying the plenary session hall of parliament to block any potential repeat of Tuesday’s events.
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The Democratic Party has intensified its calls for Yoon’s removal, with spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong stating, “The people have already psychologically impeached Yoon.” Ahn gained attention earlier this week after a viral video showed her confronting soldiers outside parliament during the martial law declaration.
“Who could trust a president who declares martial law like a game?” Ahn said. “This is not leadership the nation can rely on.”
Division Within the Ruling Party
The PPP remains deeply divided over impeachment. Senior party lawmaker Cho Kyoung-tae urged colleagues to choose between siding with the people or aligning with “martial law forces.”
However, others expressed caution. Yoon Sang-hyun, a veteran lawmaker, argued that impeachment would destabilize the country and hand power to the opposition. “This is not about protecting President Yoon but preserving the Republic of Korea’s future,” he said.
Some lawmakers also criticized PPP leader Han for failing to consult party seniors before making his statements.
Public Backlash and Political Fallout
Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to 13%, according to a Gallup Korea poll released Friday. The crisis has drawn comparisons to the 2016 impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye, which led to the conservative party’s collapse and a liberal victory in subsequent elections.
With the impeachment vote looming and public trust in Yoon at an all-time low, South Korea faces a pivotal moment in its political history.
