Seoul: The rival political parties gave mixed responses Tuesday to an imminent ruling by the Constitutional Court on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, with the ruling party voicing hope that the case would be dismissed, and the main opposition party saying Yoon should be removed from office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, at 11 a.m. Friday, the court will decide whether to reinstate or dismiss Yoon, who was impeached by the National Assembly on charges of violating the Constitution and laws through his brief imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.
"We expect every justice of the Constitutional Court to make a neutral and impartial decision in consideration of the national interests," the ruling People Power Party (PPP)'s interim leader, Kwon Young-se, told reporters. Kwon expressed hope that Yoon's impeachment motion would be dismissed, stressing that the opposition parties should respect whatever outcome is ultimately reached.
The main opposition Democratic Party (DP), meanwhile, welcomed the court's decision to deliver the ruling this week, stressing that the court should formally remove Yoon from office. "It's at least a relief that the ruling was scheduled for Friday," DP floor leader Park Chan-dae said. "The best verdict to quell and end the current situation surrounding the insurrection is without a doubt to dismiss Yoon -- the mastermind behind the insurrection."
Park expressed confidence that the court would rule unanimously in favor of Yoon's impeachment. Currently, the court has an eight-member bench, and consent by at least six standing judges is necessary to uphold Yoon's impeachment.