South Korea’s Ruling Party Leader Resigns

South Korea’s Political Turmoil: Ruling Party Leader Resigns as Constitutional Court Reviews Presidential Impeachment

South Korea is gripped by a political crisis as Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the ruling People Power Party, announced his resignation on Monday following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol by parliament.

The impeachment vote came after Yoon was widely criticized for briefly imposing martial law during a period of national unrest.

Simultaneously, the Constitutional Court convened its first session on Monday to outline the timeline for reviewing Yoon’s impeachment. The court has up to six months to decide whether to uphold the impeachment.

If affirmed, South Korea would hold a presidential election within two months, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political trajectory.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as interim leader during this transitional period. Han pledged to ensure stable governance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order during the ongoing political uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, urged the Constitutional Court to expedite its decision, arguing that swift action is necessary to mitigate national instability and public suffering.

Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae reassured the public that the court would handle the matter "swiftly and fairly" despite challenges stemming from a political impasse that has left the court with only six of its nine judges.

President Yoon faces grave criminal charges, including allegations of "rebellion," a crime punishable by death under South Korean law.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon has been barred from leaving the country, and a former defense minister, along with other key officials, has been detained.

Prosecutors are preparing to issue a fresh summons after Yoon refused to cooperate with the initial investigation into his declaration of martial law.