Seoul, Dec. 12 – Han Dong Hoon, leader of the People Power Party, declared today that members of his party must attend the upcoming impeachment vote in the National Assembly and cast their votes following their conscience and principles.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly, Han stated, “Now that it is clear the President has no intention of stepping down early, an immediate suspension of duties is necessary.”
Han emphasized his stance, saying, “I believed that stepping down earlier than the impeachment process would provide a more predictable and swift resolution compared to impeachment. However, such a plan was contingent upon the President entrusting his future entirely to the party and the judgment of the public. It has been confirmed that this is not the case.”
Full Statement by People Power Party Leader Han Dong Hoon
"As the leader of the ruling party, I deeply apologize to the esteemed people of Korea. Our party failed to preemptively block this unconstitutional and unlawful martial law. We sought ways to minimize national turmoil following the martial law declaration, but in doing so, we caused frustration among the people. I am truly sorry.
Yesterday, the Minister of National Defense was arrested for treason. The arrest warrant issued by the Korean judiciary identified the President as a key accomplice. Two days ago, military generals who appeared before the National Assembly testified that the President directly ordered them to physically block the Assembly's resolution to lift martial law and issued various illegal instructions.
The gravity of this situation becomes clearer with time. Recently, it was confirmed that the President has no intention of complying with our party’s request and his prior commitment to discuss an early resignation. This violates the President’s public promise to entrust his term and future to the party.
Immediately after the declaration of martial law, our party publicly opposed the measure, pledging to fight against it alongside the people, even at the risk of our lives. We appealed to the military and police not to follow orders to enter the National Assembly. We led the call for the Assembly’s resolution to lift martial law. Since the initial declaration, our position has been consistent: those involved in the unconstitutional and unlawful martial law, including the President, must be held accountable.
As the ruling party, we bear the responsibility of minimizing the chaos caused by this crisis. While ensuring strict accountability for those responsible, we also sought guidance from citizens, elders, and political leaders on how to reduce instability post-martial law. Based on past impeachment experiences, I recognized that impeachment often results in prolonged divisions and substantial harm. I strived to find a quicker, more predictable, and orderly solution, such as early resignation, that would serve the nation better. However, these efforts have proven insufficient.
I believed that early resignation before the impeachment process would be a faster and more predictable resolution. However, this was predicated on the President entrusting his fate to the party and the public. That condition has not been met.
As the party leader, I state my position clearly: The president must be immediately excluded from exercising authority, including command over the military and governance of the state. Now that the President’s refusal to step down early has been confirmed, an immediate suspension of duties is essential. We must prevent further chaos. There is now only one viable course of action: in the next vote, our party’s lawmakers must attend the session and vote according to their conscience and principles.
I trust they will do so. My only desire is for the nation to thrive and for its people to find peace. For the sake of the country and its people, I believe our lawmakers will cast their votes wisely. Thank you."
Han's call for decisive action comes amid mounting public and political pressure to resolve the crisis, as the nation faces unprecedented challenges under the current administration.
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