Ruling Party Leadership, Tense Atmosphere Amid Elevated Expressions... Planning to Watch Yoon's Verdict at the National Assembly

Party Caucus to Convene Immediately After Verdict to Discuss Response Measures
Some Lawmakers to Attend Constitutional Court Hearing in Person

On the day of the impeachment trial verdict for President Yoon Suk-yeol, the People Power Party displayed a calm yet tense atmosphere. The party leadership gathered at the National Assembly to watch the verdict on TV, while some lawmakers planned to visit the Constitutional Court to observe the outcome in person.

From 9:30 a.m. on the 4th, the People Power Party leadership appeared at the National Assembly with tense expressions. They did not hold the usual floor strategy meeting at 9 a.m., and the emergency committee meeting was rescheduled to 10:40 a.m., just before the verdict, resulting in a later-than-usual arrival.

On the 4th, the day of the impeachment trial verdict for President Yoon Suk-yeol, Kwon Young-se, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is arriving at the National Assembly. 2025.4.4 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Smiles masked the underlying tension. Emergency Committee Chair Kwon Young-se said, "I don't know" when asked about the verdict. Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong was equally reserved, saying, "I have said many times," when asked the same question. Secretary-General Lee Yang-su expressed, "I will watch the verdict hoping for dismissal."

The leadership planned to watch the live broadcast of President Yoon's impeachment trial verdict on TV at the National Assembly starting at 11 a.m. The emergency committee meeting held just before would proceed without any remarks, and after it ended, they would watch the verdict broadcast together. From the expected end time of 11:30 a.m., a party caucus meeting would be held to discuss response measures depending on whether President Yoon is removed and to organize the party’s stance.

The leadership adopted a low-key approach as the verdict drew near. Chair Kwon and Floor Leader Kwon had planned to attend the Jeju 4.3 Memorial Ceremony the previous day but canceled their schedules considering the verdict was just a day away. Among the leadership, only Emergency Committee Chair Choi Hyung-doo attended.

While leaning toward a dismissal or rejection of the impeachment, President Yoon’s return, the leadership refrained from pressuring the Constitutional Court. Chair Kwon stated the day before, "Nothing is more important than the lives and safety of the people under any circumstances. There must be no unfortunate incidents on the day of the verdict," adding, "The People Power Party will accept the presidential impeachment ruling and will thoroughly prepare and respond for the post-impeachment period."

Unlike the leadership, some lawmakers planned to visit the Constitutional Court to attend the hearing. About 20 pro-Yoon Suk-yeol lawmakers, including Kim Ki-hyun, Na Kyung-won, and Yoon Sang-hyun, were expected to visit the court. Some participated in a relay protest against impeachment near the court until early morning on the day and then headed to the court. They also expressed confidence in dismissal. Lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun wrote on social media, "I have no doubt in the dismissal decision," adding, "I am confident that today’s dismissal verdict will lead South Korea to become a stronger and fairer country."

A senior lawmaker planning to watch the verdict at the Constitutional Court said, "What meaning is there in predicting the result now?" and shared, "Regardless of the outcome, I am very nervous." Another senior lawmaker who had applied to attend but later canceled said, "No matter the result, protecting the National Assembly and discussing responses is the priority," adding, "I will watch the broadcast with a praying heart."