South Korean Ruling Party Demands President Yoon’s Removal Over Martial Law Scandal

South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) chief, Han Dong-hoon, called on Friday for President Yoon Suk Yeol to be removed from office, describing him as a “dangerous” leader. Han warned that there was a “significant risk” Yoon could attempt to impose martial law again, following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier in the week.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday was quickly overturned after a dramatic standoff in parliament, where lawmakers confronted soldiers and voted to reject the measure, as thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly. Han’s call for Yoon’s removal came just one day after he had opposed the president’s impeachment.

Han stated that the evidence indicated Yoon had ordered the arrest of key politicians and their detention in a holding facility. He criticized Yoon for failing to acknowledge the illegality of the martial law declaration and for not taking action against military officials involved in the intervention. “If Yoon remains in office, there is a significant risk that extreme actions, like the martial law declaration, could be repeated,” Han warned.

In response to the growing controversy, the opposition parties had already put forward a motion to impeach Yoon, which was scheduled for a vote on Saturday evening. The motion requires a two-thirds majority to pass, and with the opposition holding 192 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, the outcome remains uncertain.

Han’s remarks marked a surprising reversal, as he had previously indicated that the PPP would block the impeachment motion. Political analysts, such as Shin Yul from Myongji University, suggested that Han’s change of stance was influenced by the seriousness of the situation, particularly the involvement of intelligence agencies in the arrest of politicians.

The situation has triggered a fresh investigation into the actions surrounding the martial law declaration. A special police team of 120 officers has been assigned to probe the charges of insurrection filed against Yoon and other senior officials.

Meanwhile, Yoon’s approval rating has dropped to a record low of 13%, following a series of crises since he took office in 2022. In the aftermath of the martial law fiasco, Yoon’s Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned, but other key allies, including Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, remain in office.

The political unrest has also drawn international attention, with the U.S. administration caught off guard by Yoon’s martial law announcement. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled a planned visit to South Korea, where nearly 30,000 U.S. troops are stationed.

As tensions escalate, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and other key figures have been targeted in alleged attempts to arrest them. The situation in South Korea remains volatile, with the future of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s leadership uncertain as the impeachment vote looms.