Leader of South Korea's ruling party announces resignation

(CLO) Mr. Han Dong Hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in South Korea, has announced his resignation.

PPP leader Han Dong Hoon made the announcement at a press conference on Monday, apologizing to the people for having to endure Yoon's martial law declaration.

"I will step down as leader of the People's Power Party," Mr. Han said. "With the collapse of the Party Supreme Council, I cannot continue to perform my duties as the head of the party."

Mr. Han Dong Hoon. Photo: VNA

Mr. Han initially said he would continue his work, but changed his mind when faced with mounting pressure from the wave of resignation requests. Notably, all five members of the PPP Supreme Council, who are believed to have close ties to Mr. Han, announced their resignations.

The party's constitution stipulates that if at least four council members resign, the leadership will be dissolved and the party must form an interim leadership committee.

Mr. Han said he tried his best to find a better way for the country other than impeaching President Yoon but failed, and he must take responsibility for that.

Kweon Seong Dong, the party's newly elected leader, will take over as acting leader and have the power to appoint the head of the conservative party's emergency leadership committee.

Mr. Han's resignation comes 146 days after he was elected party chairman at the PPP's national convention on July 23, and comes after the impeachment vote of President Yoon passed 204-85 on Saturday, related to President Yoon's attempt to impose martial law on December 3.

The vote showed that at least 12 members of the PPP voted in favor of impeachment, despite previously being expected to toe the party line. Mr Han had previously expressed support for impeachment, although he had called for President Yoon to "go out in an orderly manner".

Ngoc Anh (according to Yonhap, KBS World, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lanh-dao-dang-cam-quyen-han-quoc-tuyen-bo-se-tu-chuc-post325864.html