Sat Dec 07 10:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Ruling Party MPs’ Walkout Mars Impeachment Vote

**Seoul, South Korea** – A dramatic scene unfolded in the South Korean National Assembly today as the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol was put to a vote. While the opposition party remained present, virtually all ruling People Power Party (PPP) members staged a walkout following a vote on a separate bill, leaving only a handful of their colleagues behind.

Only Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo of the PPP remained in his seat as the impeachment motion was debated. Rep. Ahn publicly urged his fellow party members to participate in the vote, emphasizing that individual conscience should outweigh party loyalty when upholding the constitution. He stressed that each MP is a constitutional institution and that personal conviction should prevail over party line.

The opposition Democratic Party (DP) responded by individually calling out the absent PPP members’ names during the debate, a move that was met with shouts of support from citizens gathered outside the assembly building. DP leader Park Chan-dae appealed directly to the absent lawmakers, particularly those who had previously attended a vote on a separate emergency decree resolution. Two PPP members, Reps. Kim Ye-ji and Kim Sang-uk, eventually returned to participate in the vote, though both ultimately voted against impeachment in line with party discipline. Rep. Kim Sang-uk, while voting against the motion, criticized the president and emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutional order, even for conservative members.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik also urged the absent PPP members to return, highlighting the gravity of the situation and questioning how their actions would be viewed historically. He kept the assembly in session until midnight, awaiting their return, as the impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority vote and needs additional support from the ruling party to pass. The motion had to be voted on within 72 hours of its submission, otherwise, it would be automatically discarded.

The PPP’s actions drew sharp criticism from the opposition, who accused them of cowardly avoidance and described the walkout as a shameful display. The swift departure of the Justice Minister, Park Seong-jae, following a separate re-vote on a special prosecutor bill, also drew condemnation from the Speaker.

While the impeachment motion ultimately failed due to lack of sufficient ruling party support, the event highlighted deep divisions within the South Korean political landscape and raised concerns about the integrity of the parliamentary process. The failed attempt also sparked celebrations among conservative groups in Gwanghwamun Square.

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