Announcement by Han Dong-hoon comes as constitutional court prepares to review parliament’s vote to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol
Han Dong-hoon, the leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party, announced his resignation on Monday, citing the untenable nature of his position following his pivotal decision to support the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Han described the recent political turmoil as “a dark chapter for our nation.” Referring to Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law earlier this month, Han said, “Martial law in the advanced nation that is South Korea, in 2024. How angry and disappointed must you have all been?”
Han’s resignation signals a dramatic fallout from the impeachment vote, which has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s political establishment. The constitutional court has begun reviewing the parliamentary decision to impeach Yoon, although it has not provided a timeline for its ruling. Meanwhile, investigators are preparing to question the suspended president later this week, according to Yonhap News Agency.
A breaking point in political alliances
Han, once regarded as Yoon’s closest ally and a former justice minister under his administration, defended his decision to break ranks with the president. He said Yoon’s actions, particularly the attempt to impose martial law, had made it impossible for him to remain loyal.
“Even though [the martial law] was done by a president our party produced, being misunderstood as defending illegal martial law that mobilised the military is a betrayal of this great country,” Han said. He admitted to being “terrified” by the potential for bloodshed had martial law persisted.
“I tried in every possible way to find a better path for this country other than impeachment, but in the end, I could not. It’s all because of my shortcomings. I’m sorry,” Han added, appearing visibly emotional.
The resignation marks the complete breakdown of the once-strong alliance between Han and Yoon, who had worked closely together in the prosecution service before Yoon’s rise to power. Their relationship had begun to deteriorate earlier this year, notably when Han suggested that Yoon and his wife should apologise over allegations involving the first lady accepting luxury gifts.
Constitutional court’s role and possible outcomes
The constitutional court, now tasked with reviewing the impeachment, has six months to decide Yoon’s fate. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, and a national election to choose his successor will be held within 60 days.
In the meantime, Yoon’s presidential powers have been suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been appointed acting president.
Yoon faces potential charges of insurrection, abuse of power, and obstructing the rights of citizens for his brief declaration of martial law, which lasted just six hours before being overturned. Troops and police officers deployed to enforce the decree withdrew from the National Assembly without major violence.
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Divisions within the conservative movement
Han’s decision to back impeachment reflects growing divisions within South Korea’s conservative movement. Representing a younger, reform-minded faction, Han has increasingly clashed with Yoon’s traditionalist base.
The impeachment has also deepened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition-led parliament, which passed the impeachment motion on Saturday. Opposition leaders accused Yoon of authoritarian tendencies and of undermining democratic norms during his brief declaration of martial law.
Investigations continue
As the constitutional court deliberates, multiple investigations into Yoon’s actions are underway. A joint team of investigators from the police, the defence ministry, and an anti-corruption agency plan to question Yoon later this week. Yoon has already ignored a separate summons for questioning by prosecutors, according to reports.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law came in an emergency address to the nation on 3 December, in which he accused opposition lawmakers of engaging in “anti-state activities” and paralysing the government. His decision sparked widespread condemnation and protests, but the rapid withdrawal of troops and police helped to avert major violence.
Political uncertainty ahead
Han’s resignation and the ongoing impeachment saga have plunged South Korea into political uncertainty. As the constitutional court reviews the case, attention now turns to the potential repercussions for the People Power Party and the broader conservative movement.
“We are navigating uncharted waters,” said Tom Park, a political analyst in Seoul. “The outcome of this impeachment process could redefine the trajectory of South Korean politics for years to come.”
