Ruling party leader says 'early resignation of Yoon unavoidable'

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, speaks to reporters in his office at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday, after watching President Yoon Suk Yeol's live public address. Yonhap

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, said on Saturday morning, "President Yoon Suk Yeol is no longer able to perform his duties normally, making an early resignation unavoidable.”

Speaking to reporters shortly after Yoon’s public address, Han said, “We will discuss and deliberate on the best course of action for the Republic of Korea and its people moving forward.”

Han emphasized the importance of stability in managing state affairs following President Yoon's public address.

“The president said the party and the government would take responsibility for operating the state," he said. "The prime minister and the party will work closely to prevent further hardship for citizens and worsening external conditions.”

Han declined to comment on whether there were discussions on constitutional amendments to shorten the president's term were underway.

Han had expressed on Friday the need for Yoon’s suspension from office, which was widely interpreted as a call for impeachment or term reduction. With his mention of "early resignation" today, Han appears to be focusing more on shortening Yoon’s term and leading a party-driven overhaul of the political landscape rather than pursuing impeachment.

Earlier, Yoon apologized for the declaration of martial law, saying, “To the citizens who were deeply alarmed, I sincerely apologize,” as he bowed in remorse.

In his first statement since lifting martial law, Yoon acknowledged that the decision, made out of urgency as the nation's leader, has led to public anxiety and inconvenience, adding, “I will not evade any legal or political responsibility related to this declaration.”

Yoon also assured the public there won't be another martial law. He declared martial law on Tuesday, only to lift it about six hours later following a motion from the National Assembly.

After four days of silence, his remarks came on the same day the National Assembly is set to vote on his impeachment motion.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.