Democratic Party: "Yoon Impeachment Motion to Be Proposed as Early as Today... To Be Processed This Week"

Resolution in the name of all Democratic Party members on the morning of the 4th
"Resign immediately... Impeachment if you do not resign"

The Democratic Party of Korea called on President Yoon Seok-yeol, who declared and then lifted martial law, to "immediately resign voluntarily. If he does not step down, the Democratic Party will promptly initiate impeachment proceedings in accordance with the will of the people." The Democratic Party held a party caucus around 7 a.m. on the 4th after President Yoon announced the lifting of martial law and issued this stance.

At around 6 a.m. that day, the Democratic Party held a party caucus to explore ways to respond to the political situation. This meeting was held after Speaker Woo Won-shik confirmed through a phone call with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at 5 a.m. that the 'lifting of martial law' was approved at the Cabinet meeting. The resolution announced after the caucus stated, "President Yoon's declaration of martial law is a clear violation of the Constitution," adding, "None of the conditions for the declaration were met, making the declaration itself null and void, a serious constitutional violation, and a legal violation."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and lawmakers are heading to an emergency closed-door party meeting room at the National Assembly on the morning of the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News

It continued, "This is a grave act of rebellion and a perfect ground for impeachment," and "President Yoon can no longer avoid the thunderous judgment of the people and history." The resolution also included plans to either have him 'resign voluntarily' or to 'initiate impeachment proceedings.' The Democratic Party stated that if they expedite the impeachment process as much as possible, "the fastest schedule would be to propose it today, report it tomorrow, and vote 24 hours later."

Kang Yoo-jung, the party's floor spokesperson, told reporters after the caucus, "Fifteen members spoke, and there was a consensus to hasten the impeachment resolution process." Furthermore, she said, "It is an urgent task for the National Assembly to prepare measures to make any further declaration of martial law impossible by any means," adding, "This does not mean we will wait for a voluntary resignation; it means it would be best if he resigns immediately."

The Democratic Party responded to the martial law, which was enacted at 11 p.m. on the previous day (the 3rd), by 'summoning members and aides to the National Assembly.' At one point, the military and police were deployed to the National Assembly, causing chaos. The Democratic Party will hold an 'Emergency National Rally' at the steps of the main entrance of the National Assembly building at noon that day.