South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol won the impeachment vote. The vote was held in Parliament on Saturday (December 7). The vote was held amid public outrage over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law in the country this week. But even if he wins the impeachment vote, the president's own party leader says he will eventually resign. British news agency Reuters reported this news.
The main opposition Democratic Party proposed an impeachment vote, which was boycotted by Yun's People Power Party and was later dropped due to insufficient lawmakers' participation.
However, after the vote, PPP leader Han Dong-hun said the party had decided that Yun would resign.
“The declaration of martial law is a clear and serious violation of the law,” Han told reporters.
However, Han has a history of clashing with Yun and it is unclear whether he was speaking on behalf of PPP members. Yoon has yet to respond to Han's comments.
On Tuesday evening, Yun shocked the nation by declaring martial law in the country. He did this to defeat what he termed 'anti-state forces' and his political opponents, which sparked public outrage.
Yun later revoked the order six hours after it was issued.
Earlier on Saturday, Yun apologized for his actions in a televised address to the nation, saying he was prepared to face any backlash, although he did not offer to resign.
Yun said he would leave his fate in the hands of the PPP. This, Han later said, was effectively a promise of abdication.
“The People Power Party will call for an orderly resignation of the president to reduce public confusion,” Han said. Until Yun resigns, he will be 'effectively relieved of duty and consult with the Prime Minister's Party on the conduct of state affairs.'
DP opponents derided the idea as 'absurd and illegal'. In a statement, the party said, 'Neither man, law nor anyone has the power to remove Han (Yoon) from office.' Impeachment is the only way.
Asked when Han would announce a roadmap for ending Yun's tenure, a source close to him said it was being told now.
