Seoul: The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has announced its decision to accept the forthcoming ruling of the Constitutional Court regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial. This statement was made by the party’s floor leader, Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, outlining the party’s official position prior to the court’s verdict.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether to reinstate or remove President Yoon from office following his impeachment over a brief martial law declaration on December 3. The exact date of the ruling has not been announced, but many speculate it will occur this week.
Rep. Kweon stated, “Our party’s official stance is that (we) will accept the court’s decision,” emphasizing the binding nature of constitutional trial outcomes. In response, Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, commented that respecting the court’s ruling is expected from any politician committed to constitutional principles. He added, “We’ll see if (the PPP) actually follows through with its actions.”
Should President Yoon be removed from office, South Korea will need to conduct a snap presidential election within 60 days. If reinstated, he will continue his term until May 2027. The impending ruling has sparked public demonstrations, with tens of thousands gathering in central Seoul either supporting or opposing Yoon’s potential ouster.
Rep. Kweon also urged the court to expedite its decision on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment trial. He referenced Washington’s January designation of Seoul as a “sensitive” country, a label given before former President Joe Biden left office, as a critical issue requiring prompt resolution. “It has been 80 days since Prime Minister Han has been suspended from his duties,” Kweon noted, highlighting the need to address the situation promptly to prevent further national delays.
He further remarked that the South Korean government should accept criticism for not recognizing the designation sooner. Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy indicated that the Biden administration placed Seoul in the lowest category of its “sensitive and other designated countries list,” raising concerns about potential disruptions in advanced technology collaboration.