Choo Kyung-ho Resigns as Floor Leader: "The Tragedy of Presidential Impeachment Must End Today"

"Apologies for Failing to Prevent National Turmoil"
"Impeachment Is a Path of Hatred, Not Resolution"
Kim Sang-hoon, Jo Ji-yeon, and Others Also Tender Resignations

Choo Kyung-ho, the floor leader of the People Power Party, resigned from his position on the 7th.

On the same day, after the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol failed to meet the required quorum in the National Assembly plenary session, Floor Leader Choo stated, "As the floor leader of the ruling party, I sincerely apologize for not being able to prevent the current political turmoil."

Choo Kyung-ho, Floor Leader of the People Power Party Yonhap News

Floor Leader Choo said, "The president's declaration of martial law was clearly wrong," but added, "However, the Democratic Party's reckless impeachment motions, which have been proposed twenty-five times during this administration, are by no means a minor offense. They shake the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea."

He also said, "Although we have established the party's official stance, why would anyone not understand that each lawmaker has their own individual thoughts?" He continued, "I know better than anyone that you are exercising self-restraint, patience, and mutual consideration for the party and the country. I sincerely thank my senior and fellow lawmakers."

Floor Leader Choo emphasized that the path forward should not be impeachment. He said, "Impeachment is not a path to resolution but a path to hatred and chaos," adding, "If impeachment passes, the intimidation politics we have repeatedly criticized from the Democratic Party will now be directed at the Constitutional Court." He further stated, "The ruling party must fully take on and resolve this heavy responsibility instead of passing it on to a few constitutional judges."

Choo requested, "As proud members of the People Power Party and constitutional institutions, I earnestly ask each and every one of you to carry out legislative activities to protect the 76-year constitutional history of the Republic of Korea," and declared, "I will take responsibility for the current situation, which marks the third presidential impeachment vote in constitutional history, and step down from the floor leader position."

In conclusion, he said, "As a member of the National Assembly, I sincerely appeal to the people that the tragedy and turmoil of presidential impeachment must truly end today."

On the same day, along with Floor Leader Choo, Kim Sang-hoon, the chairman of the Policy Committee, Bae Jun-young, the chief deputy floor leader, Shin Dong-wook, the chief floor spokesperson, and floor spokespersons Park Joon-tae and Jo Ji-yeon also announced their intention to resign.