Handonghun: "Yoon Supports Impeachment... The Only Way Is Suspension of Duty"

Korea shifts from early resignation to impeachment support
"Yoon confirmed no intention to accept early resignation... broke public promise"
Urges ruling party lawmakers to "vote according to conscience"

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 12th that he confirmed President Yoon Seok-yeol has no intention of orderly resignation and expressed his support for the impeachment motion.

Han said in a press meeting at the National Assembly that morning, "I recently confirmed that President Yoon has no intention of responding to the early resignation discussions based on our party's demands and his own delegation. This breaks his public promise to entrust the party with issues such as this term," he said.

First, Han apologized, saying, "As the leader of the ruling party, I deeply apologize to the respected citizens. Our party failed to prevent this unconstitutional and illegal martial law in advance," and added, "We tried to find ways to minimize national confusion after the martial law, but in the process, we caused frustration among the people. I am sorry."

Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is attending an emergency members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Han continued, "(The People Power Party) has consistently held a firm position from the time martial law was declared that those involved in the unconstitutional and illegal martial law, including the president, must be severely punished," drawing a clear line against some lawmakers describing the December 3 martial law incident as a 'high-level political act.'

He also mentioned that after consulting with elders and politicians from various fields to minimize the confusion and damage experienced after the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, an early resignation plan was prepared but was rejected by President Yoon.

Han said, "That plan (early resignation) was premised on the president fully entrusting his position to the party and following the people's judgment, but it has been confirmed that this is not the case," and reiterated, "President Yoon must be immediately excluded from state affairs, including military command."

Han also urged People Power Party lawmakers, saying, "At the next (impeachment motion) vote, our party members must attend the meeting room and participate in the vote according to their conscience and beliefs," and added, "I believe they will do so."

When asked by a reporter, "You opposed impeachment on the 5th, called for prompt suspension on the 6th, early resignation on the 7th, and now support impeachment. Isn't this a significant change in stance on important issues?" Han replied, "There has been no change since the martial law declaration. What I mean is that martial law is unconstitutional and illegal, must be stopped, those involved must be held strictly accountable, and the president who declared martial law must step down," and apologized again, saying, "I have thought a lot about what is better in the process, and I think I caused frustration to the people. I am sorry."

He continued, "But the answer now is very clear. There were efforts and attempts to find a better alternative than impeachment," and emphasized, "Ultimately, those alternatives are invalid. Suspending Tong's duties through impeachment is the only way at this time. I believe it is the only way to protect democracy and the republic."

When asked if he would feel responsible and resign as party leader if the impeachment motion passes, he said, "I am not attached to the position. I have worked with that mindset from the beginning," and added, "I will consider what truly responsible action is."

When a reporter said, "There are talks that you should declare your intention not to run in the presidential election to resolve the situation," Han said, "I think it is very important to manage and resolve the current situation," and refrained from making a direct comment, saying, "I will consider what showing true responsibility means."

Regarding the opposition party's claim that President Yoon is the main culprit of treason, Han said, "I would like to say that President Yoon was named as a leading accomplice in the arrest warrant issued by the South Korean judiciary for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was arrested on charges of treason."