Fri Dec 06 03:41:19 UTC 2024: ## South Korea’s Ruling Party Calls for President’s Suspension Amidst Martial Law Scandal

**Seoul, South Korea** – President Yoon Suk-yeol faces calls for his immediate suspension from power after credible evidence emerged suggesting he ordered the arrest of political opponents during his controversial declaration of martial law. Justice Minister and ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon, a key Yoon ally, dramatically reversed his stance on impeachment Friday, citing “newly emerging facts” as the reason for his change of heart.

Han revealed that President Yoon instructed the defense counter-intelligence commander to arrest leading political figures, labeling them “anti-state forces,” and utilized intelligence agencies to facilitate these arrests. This revelation, following a closed-door briefing by a top National Intelligence Service official detailing a late-night phone call where Yoon demanded the removal of high-profile politicians including Han himself and Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myun, prompted the dramatic shift in the PPP’s position.

The President’s office denies these accusations. Yoon, who has remained out of public view since issuing the now-revoked six-hour martial law declaration on Tuesday, has not commented publicly. The martial law declaration, which cited threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korean sympathizers, sparked widespread outrage and was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly in a unanimous vote.

The opposition Democratic Party is pushing for an impeachment vote on Saturday. While needing a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, the support of at least eight members of the ruling party is crucial for success. If impeached, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume presidential duties pending a Constitutional Court ruling on Yoon’s removal. Given current vacancies on the court, a unanimous decision would be necessary for removal.

Public opinion has sharply turned against Yoon, with his approval rating plummeting to 13% following the martial law incident. Large-scale protests are anticipated on Saturday demanding his resignation or removal. Beyond impeachment, Yoon and several high-ranking officials are under investigation for treason. This crisis highlights South Korea’s ongoing struggle with political instability, with a significant portion of its recent presidents facing impeachment or imprisonment.

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