Handonghun: "Yoon's Statement is a Confession of Rebellion, Should Support Impeachment... Ethics Committee to Convene for Expulsion and Dismissal"

People Power Party Lawmakers Strongly Oppose Han's Remarks

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 12th that President Yoon Seok-yeol's address to the nation was "essentially a confession of treason" and proposed, "I suggest we support impeachment as the party's official stance."

Han attended a party members' meeting held in the National Assembly that morning to elect the floor leader of the People Power Party and said, "Over the past few days, it has become clear that President Yoon has no intention of leaving the position early or delegating matters related to his tenure, contrary to what he initially told the party and the public."

In response, members of the People Power Party opposed Han's remarks. Assemblyman Kang Myung-gu protested toward Han, saying, "What do you mean by confession?" and "Just step down, and let's hold the floor leader election."

As opposition from the members continued, Han questioned, "Are you saying I spoke with the intention of arresting the election commission and politicians? Is that not the case?" He added, "I cannot avoid making such statements in the current situation. Therefore, I have convened and ordered an emergency ethics committee meeting to expel or suspend President Yoon from the party." He emphasized, "I firmly believe it is time to decide our thoughts and stance. The content is clear. For those who have not seen it, watch the president's address from beginning to end."

Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is holding an emergency press conference at the National Assembly on the 12th regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Assemblymen Lim Jong-deuk, Lee Cheol-gyu, and Lee Sang-hwi also joined the protest. In particular, Lee Sang-hwi said, "Today, we stand at a critical turning point, and the floor leader election is to lead the People Power Party toward a different, more advanced path and to wisely overcome the current situation." He added, "We have all heard the address. Many members here have their own opinions. Han is the party leader. You should not express subjective views here." Han responded, "I did not express a subjective opinion," while pro-Han faction member Jang Dong-hyuk lowered his head.

Assemblyman Lee Cheol-gyu took the microphone and said, "As far as I know, none of our party members have sympathized with or participated in martial law. No one knew in advance." He continued, "What most members think is that we should overcome this chaotic state, gather our will orderly, and handle the situation so that the public does not feel anxious."

He added, "However, although the investigation results have not been announced and the trial has not proceeded, our party leader's politically inappropriate actions and some violations of criminal law exist, but I feel that labeling it as treason was somewhat hasty." He requested, "Your remarks represent our party. At least, making such statements and announcements at the party members' meeting would be in line with democratic procedures."

After Lee finished speaking, Han emphasized again, "This is an extremely serious situation. The public will never tolerate this morning's events, and we cannot accept the president's address from a democratic perspective. Therefore, as party leader, I urge our party to take the lead in promptly and legally suspending the president's duties."