SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol survived a parliamentary vote to impeach him on Saturday, as his party boycotted the proceedings, but the head of his own party effectively announced the president’s impending resignation.
The impeachment effort was launched by the Democratic Party in response to Yoon’s attempt to declare martial law earlier this week, a move that triggered widespread criticism and protests nationwide. However, the bid to oust Yoon fell short after not enough lawmakers participated in the vote.
People Power Party Leader Han Dong-hoon informed reporters after the vote that the party had decided to accept Yoon’s pledge to leave office, regardless of the outcome of the impeachment process. Han characterized Yoon’s declaration of martial law as a clear and serious violation of the law, but his commitment to step down was contingent on his party’s consultation.
In a televised speech on Saturday, Yoon apologized for his actions, stating he would face whatever repercussions may arise and, in a surprising move, left the decision to either resign or face impeachment on the shoulders of his People Power Party.
Han added that, until Yoon’s resignation, he will be “effectively excluded from his duties, and the prime minister will consult with the party to manage state affairs,” a claim ridiculed as “absurd and illegal” by the Democratic opposition.
In the meantime, tens of thousands of citizens gathered outside parliament on consecutive nights to demand Yoon’s resignation, with several protesters detained by police following clashes.
