Fri Dec 06 06:16:13 UTC 2024: ## South Korea’s Ruling Party Leader Calls for President’s Suspension Amid Impeachment Push

**Seoul, South Korea** – In a stunning reversal, the leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hun, has called for the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s constitutional powers following the president’s controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week. This move significantly increases the likelihood of Mr. Yoon’s impeachment.

Opposition parties are pushing for a parliamentary vote on Mr. Yoon’s impeachment on Saturday, denouncing his actions as an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” While they lack the necessary two-thirds majority alone, Mr. Han’s support could provide the crucial votes needed to succeed.

Mr. Han cited intelligence suggesting President Yoon ordered the arrest of key politicians accused of “anti-state activities” during the short-lived martial law period. He argued that suspending the president’s powers is necessary to prevent further “extreme actions” and protect the country. This announcement marks a dramatic shift, given Mr. Han’s previous close relationship with Mr. Yoon. Their falling out stemmed from disagreements over handling scandals involving the president and his wife.

The imposition of martial law, which lasted approximately six hours before being overturned by the National Assembly, has triggered widespread protests and international concern. Thousands have taken to the streets demanding Mr. Yoon’s resignation, and major labor unions have initiated strikes. The United States and Japan, key allies, have also expressed alarm over the political crisis.

Adding to the turmoil, Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun resigned and is under investigation for his role in the martial law declaration. Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has assured the public that the military will not accept any further attempts to impose martial law.

While Mr. Han previously criticized the martial law declaration, his support for impeachment hinges on preventing further chaos. If impeached, Mr. Yoon would be suspended pending a Constitutional Court ruling, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming presidential responsibilities. The opposition Democratic Party leader, Lee Jae-myung, has strongly supported the impeachment efforts, calling Mr. Yoon’s actions a “rebellion and self-coup.”

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