Yoon's 'Self-Justification' Statement Angers Han Dong-hoon... "Impeachment, Free Vote → Party Line Support"

People Power Party Lawmakers' Voluntary Vote → Support for Impeachment Party Resolution
President Yoon's Position Hardens After Confirming Statement

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, demanded on the 12th that the party adopt a stance in favor of impeachment after reviewing President Yoon Seok-yeol's fourth address. This marked a step further from his previous position advocating for a 'free vote' among party members regarding impeachment.

At a party meeting held in the National Assembly in the morning to elect the floor leader of the People Power Party, Han referred to President Yoon's address, stating, "It was essentially a confession of insurrection. I propose that we support impeachment as the party's official stance."

Earlier, President Yoon defended the emergency martial law, saying, "The president's exercise of the power to declare emergency martial law is a governing act that is not subject to judicial review, similar to the exercise of pardon power or diplomatic authority."

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

Han said, "Over the past few days, it has become clear that contrary to what President Yoon initially told the party and the public, he has no intention of leaving the office early or entrusting the party with decisions regarding his position," adding, "Were you aware in advance that such a pre-recorded address would be made?"

Previously, ahead of the National Assembly's impeachment vote on the 7th, President Yoon stated in an address, "I will entrust the future political stability measures, including my term, to our party." For Han, this confirmed that President Yoon had no intention of honoring that statement.

In response to backlash from People Power Party lawmakers, Han emphasized, "I have convened and ordered an emergency ethics committee meeting to expel or remove President Yoon from the party," stressing, "It is now time to decide our thoughts and position."

Earlier, in an urgent statement, Han said, "Since it has been confirmed that the president has no intention of early resignation, immediate suspension from duty is necessary," and added, "At the next vote, our party members should attend the meeting and participate in the vote according to their conscience and beliefs."

While advocating for impeachment, he initially suggested that party members vote based on their free judgment. However, less than an hour after reviewing President Yoon's address, he demanded support for impeachment as the party's official stance.

Regarding his previous efforts to discuss orderly resignation and early stepping down, Han apologized, saying, "We tried to find ways to minimize national confusion after the emergency martial law, but in the process, we caused frustration among the people. I apologize."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.