South Korea’s Ruling Party Leader Resigns After Yoon's Impeachment Over Martial Law Attempt

Dec 16, 2024, 02:32 AM

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party and a former close aide to President Yoon Suk Yeol, announced his resignation on Monday following the president's impeachment over the weekend. Han made the announcement during a televised press conference, stating, "I step down as the leader of the People Power Party." The resignation comes amid escalating pressure within the party after Han supported the impeachment of President Yoon, who faced backlash for a failed martial law declaration. Han said he tried to find an alternative to impeachment but was unable to do so, and he could no longer continue due to pressure from the party’s Supreme Council, which had collapsed after all five members resigned. Han apologized to the public but said he did not regret his support for the impeachment. The impeachment was approved in a 204-85 vote in the National Assembly.