Senior aides to the South Korean president resign en masse.

(CLO) Senior aides to impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, including Chief of Staff Chung Jin Suk, collectively offered their resignations on January 1st.

Those who submitted their resignations also included National Security Advisor Shin Won Sik, Chief of Staff for Policy Sung Tae Yoon, and Foreign Policy Advisor Chang Ho Jin. According to the Presidential Office, the decision reflects internal opposition to the actions of Acting President Choi Sang Mok.

This move comes after Acting President Choi appointed two new judges to the Constitutional Court, sparking controversy over the interim leadership's authority.

Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol. Photo: CC/Wiki

On December 31, Choi appointed two judges to fill vacant positions in the Constitutional Court, in order to partially satisfy the opposition's demands.

However, the Presidential Office criticized the move, arguing that Choi had exceeded his authority. The appointment could alter the voting structure in the court, where at least six votes are needed to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon.

The Constitutional Court now has six months to decide whether President Yoon will be removed from office or reinstated. Yoon, who was impeached by the National Assembly last month, is also facing criminal charges, including failing to declare martial law on December 3.

In addition, an arrest warrant for Mr. Yoon was issued by a Seoul court on December 31, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced an arrest warrant. Mr. Yoon is accused of masterminding the declaration of martial law, directing a rebellion, and abusing his power.

Amidst the escalating tensions, Kim Tae Kyu, acting chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, also expressed his intention to resign in protest against the appointment of the judges. Kim had assumed this role in August following the impeachment of Chairman Lee Jin Sook.

Ngoc Anh (according to Yonhap, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cac-tro-ly-cap-cao-cua-tong-thong-han-quoc-dong-loat-tu-chuc-post328550.html