SEOUL: The leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP) has expressed support for impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol following his attempt to impose martial law, urging a parliamentary vote on the matter. The party chief, Han Dong-hoon, also called for an ethics committee meeting to consider whether Yoon should be asked to leave the party.According to Yonhap News Agency, Han's call for impeachment comes after President Yoon defended his declaration of martial law on December 3 as a legitimate act of governance, dismissing charges of insurrection in a public address. Han argued that it is imperative to "swiftly straighten out and suspend" Yoon's duties through the impeachment process, marking a significant shift in the party's approach.The main opposition Democratic Party is expected to introduce a new motion to impeach Yoon later today, following a failed parliamentary impeachment vote last Saturday that saw a boycott by the majority of PPP lawmakers.Earlier, Han emphasized the importance of moving forward with the impeachment, urging lawmakers to vote based on their individual "conviction" in the forthcoming motion. "We must stop further confusion. There is only one effective method now," Han stated. He encouraged PPP lawmakers to participate in the next vote with their own conscience guiding their decisions.This development represents a change from the PPP's previous stance, which advocated for Yoon's "orderly" resignation. Prior to the failed impeachment vote on Saturday, President Yoon had committed to leaving decisions regarding his presidency to the PPP.
- September 13, 2026
