Ahn Cheol-soo Stays at 'Impeachment Vote' Seat... Again Says "Support According to People's Will"

Through a Statement, "We Will Restore the Collapsed Constitutional Order"
At the First Time, Declared "My Conviction... I Will Proceed as Is"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, announced on the 14th that he would vote in favor of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol. Ahn had participated in the impeachment vote on the 7th.

In a statement released that day, Ahn said, "Today, I will vote in favor of President Yoon's impeachment in accordance with the will of the people to restore the broken constitutional order of the Republic of Korea and to promptly stabilize the livelihood, economy, and diplomacy."

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is submitting the "Act on the Appointment of a Special Prosecutor for the Investigation of the Treason Act through the Unconstitutional Declaration of Martial Law by the Yoon Seok-yeol Government" at the National Assembly plenary session on the 12th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

During the first vote, Ahn did not follow the party line of the People Power Party and remained seated alone. His solitary figure sitting among the ruling party members who were leaving one after another was shown multiple times on broadcasts.

In an interview with BBC Korea released on the 9th, Ahn described the situation at the time, saying, "I clearly stated my position at the party meeting beforehand. I said, 'I will stay and vote,' and I kept my promise." He added, addressing those who tried to persuade him, "I told them that this is my conviction and I would proceed as such," and explained, "I expressed what I believe is the best solution, and since each member of the National Assembly is a constitutional institution, they have the right and duty to vote according to their own convictions. I faithfully followed that."

Ahn also pointed out, "I judged that it is no longer possible for the President of the Republic of Korea to perform his duties because he destroyed the Constitution." However, he added, "I do not think impeachment is the best option." He elaborated, "If the President is impeached again this time, whoever takes power next will constantly attack looking for reasons to impeach the President," and said, "To break that cycle, I think it is better to proceed with a more orderly resignation."