South Korea on Edge as Calls Grow for President Yoon’s Removal
South Korea’s ruling party leader is demanding the president be removed after a shock attempt to declare martial law this week. The surprising declaration, rescinded just six hours later, has plunged the nation into political turmoil. Opposition parties have promised to press for Yoon Suk Yeol‘s impeachment, setting up a tense stand-off in the National Assembly.
Han Dong-hoon, the People Power Party leader, revealed a possible shift in stance. While initially against impeachment, he suggested a change in perspective after “credible evidence” pointed towards the president planning the arrest of prominent political figures, labeling them "anti-state forces."
"""
People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon had said they are upfront against impeachment, but he now posited that might shift in light of “credible evidence” showing the president apparently planned the arrest of prominent political figures. He confirmed not wanting to further discuss impeachment at this stage, betonting Han Dong-hoon
Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party leader. He did not explicitly call for impeachment but cited confidential information regarding planned arrests: "I believe that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s immediate suspension of office is necessary to protect the Republic of Korea and its people in light of the newly revealed facts," he stated.
This silence did little to settle rising anxieties about a second attempt to unravel the democratic fundamentals of South Korea.
Martial Law: A Nation in Shock
A vote for impeachment is scheduled for Saturday, set to further inflame the already boiling political cauldron. The public mood is acutely anxious, with protests erupting across the country, demanding Yoon’s resignation. Thousands gathered at the National Assembly where a “zombie government lacking legitimacy can be
Taking an uncharacteristically direct stance, opposition leader
“I was not consulted on this. The people have spoken," he emphasized, stressing a complete lack of involvement in the military council of ministers’ volent. expressed said he “did not order” weapons to be used against the
How has the stance of Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the ruling People Power Party, shifted in response to President Yoon’s actions?
## South Korea on Edge: An Interview with Dr. Lee
**Introduction:**
Good evening, and welcome back. South Korea is facing a political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief, and highly controversial, attempt to declare martial law earlier this week. To help us understand this rapidly evolving situation, we are joined by Dr. Lee, an expert on Korean politics. Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us.
**Host:** Dr. Lee, can you help us understand why President Yoon felt the need to declare martial law, a measure usually reserved for times of war or extreme national crisis?
**Dr. Lee:** The details surrounding the President’s decision are still emerging, but according to reports, he alleged threats to national security from a perceived internal enemy. However, the declaration was rescinded just six hours later, leaving many questions unanswered about the legitimacy of these claims and the extent of the perceived threat [[1](https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-martial-law-yoon-impeachment-bfea0520c0361294f96edd6602ac8534)].
**Host:** This decision has clearly sparked outrage, particularly within the ruling party. Could you elaborate on the shift in stance by Han Dong-hoon, the People Power Party leader?
**Dr. Lee:** Absolutely. Initially, the ruling party seemed to support Yoon, attributing the martial law declaration to a “misjudgment.” However, Han Dong-hoon, the party leader, has now publicly called for suspending the president’s powers, citing intelligence suggesting Yoon ordered this action. This signifies a dramatic turn of events and suggests deepening cracks within the ruling party [[1](https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-martial-law-yoon-impeachment-bfea0520c0361294f96edd6602ac8534)].
**Host:** The opposition parties are already calling for the President’s impeachment. Do you believe this situation could lead to Yoon’s removal from office?
**Dr. Lee:** The possibility is certainly heightened. The opposition parties have a strong majority in the National Assembly, and Han Dong-hoon’s shifting stance weakens Yoon’s position considerably. It is crucial to remember that South Korea’s constitution allows for impeachment of the president for charges like treason, bribery, or violation of the constitution. Whether the martial law attempt falls under these categories is subject to debate, and the National Assembly will have to decide [[1](https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-martial-law-yoon-impeachment-bfea0520c0361294f96edd6602ac8534)].
**Host:** This is clearly a developing story. Dr. Lee, thank you for providing your insightful analysis. We will continue to follow this situation closely.
**Conclusion:** The political future of President Yoon Suk Yeol hangs in the balance as South Korea grapples with the ramifications of his attempted declaration of martial law. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the outcome of this unprecedented crisis.
