Democratic Party to Vote on Han Deok-su Impeachment as Early as 28th... "Demand for Swift Constitutional Court Justice Appointment"

Report to the plenary session on the 27th... If delayed, vote on the 30th
Ruling party says "Remove toxic clauses in the special prosecutor law" means "Continued rebellion"

The Democratic Party of Korea pressured Acting President and Prime Minister Han Deok-su by stating that they would proceed with a vote on the impeachment motion against him as early as this weekend.

Kang Yoo-jung, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, met with reporters on the 26th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, after the party's policy coordination meeting, saying, "Today, we will complete the selection of three constitutional court justice candidates recommended by the National Assembly at the plenary session," and added, "We demand the prompt consent of Acting President Han for their appointment."

The Democratic Party is expected to accelerate the impeachment process if Acting President Han does not appoint the constitutional court justices recommended by the National Assembly. After confirming Han's intentions, the party plans to file the impeachment motion against him either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The report to the plenary session is scheduled for 2 p.m. the following day, with the vote planned for the 28th or 30th. Kang said, "Since the vote must take place between 24 and 72 hours after the report to the plenary session, we cannot specify the exact schedule," but added, "It could be Saturday the 28th or the 30th when the 72-hour period expires."

Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

The Democratic Party reiterated that the quorum for Han's impeachment corresponds to a majority of the total members, which is 151. Kang explained, "Claiming that the quorum for the Prime Minister's impeachment should be 200 seats because he is acting president contradicts the public's desire to overcome the instability caused by the suspension of the president's duties and to complete the impeachment," adding, "On the other hand, once Speaker Woo Won-shik sets it at 151 seats, it will serve as a precedent. Since this is uncharted territory, the Speaker's interpretation is crucial."

The party also condemned the removal of poison clauses from the general special prosecutor law on rebellion proposed by the People Power Party and the special prosecutor law concerning Mrs. Kim Geon-hee (Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Law), calling it an act that obstructs the investigation of President Yoon. Kang stated, "This is something that can be discussed only after alternative or other special prosecutor laws are first proposed," and added, "Diverting attention with trivial discussions seems to be an attempt to prolong the rebellion, which raises suspicions." Furthermore, Kang urged, "We call for the swift promulgation of the general special prosecutor law on rebellion and the Kim Geon-hee Special Prosecutor Law," warning, "Delaying their promulgation will cause enormous harm to the public."