Yoon Leaves Everything to Ruling Party... Seems to Judge Second-Term Step Back Better Than Impeachment

Yoon "Leaves Term and Political Stability Measures to Party"
Appears to Accept Term Reduction Amendment, Two-Term Limit Rollback
Focus on Pro-Han Faction Votes Ahead of Impeachment Vote

On the morning of the 7th, when President Yoon Suk-yeol announced a national address, citizens were watching the news in the waiting room of the intercity bus terminal in Gagyeong-dong, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk. Photo by Yonhap News.

On the 7th, President Yoon Suk-yeol stated, "I will entrust the ruling party with measures to stabilize the political situation, including my term," drawing attention to the impeachment vote scheduled for that afternoon and the direction of resolving the crisis.

In a live nationwide address that morning, President Yoon said, "I will not evade legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law," expressing his intention to entrust the ruling party, the People Power Party, with decisions about his term and political stability measures.

Earlier, various proposals such as a constitutional amendment to shorten the presidential term, forming a national unity cabinet, and stepping back to a secondary role were discussed within and outside the ruling party to resolve the impeachment crisis. President Yoon's stance is interpreted as accepting all decisions made by the party.

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon also said immediately after the president’s address, "It is impossible for the president to perform his duties normally, and early resignation is inevitable," but did not answer when asked, "Does that mean impeachment is not acceptable?"

Accordingly, attention is focused on the results of the National Assembly plenary session vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon, scheduled after 5 p.m. that day.

For the impeachment motion to pass, two-thirds (200 members) of the total assembly members must vote in favor. Even if all 192 opposition members vote in favor, at least 8 defections from the People Power Party are required.

The impeachment momentum surged rapidly after leader Han said the previous day, "I judge that the prompt suspension of President Yoon’s duties is necessary," and six-term lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae, a pro-Yoon faction member, publicly supported impeachment for the first time among ruling party lawmakers.

However, since President Yoon entrusted the ruling party with his term and crisis resolution measures that day, there is a possibility of changes in the party’s stance.

In fact, within the ruling party, there is stronger public opinion favoring the formation of an emergency national unity cabinet and President Yoon stepping back to a secondary role rather than impeachment. This is because impeachment would appear to pave the way for Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, to advance his presidential ambitions.

The People Power Party’s association of city and provincial governors, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, stated, "The president’s impeachment must be avoided," and added, "President Yoon should form an emergency national unity cabinet led by a responsible prime minister and step back to a secondary role."

They also said, "The political schedule, including a constitutional amendment to shorten the term, must be clearly announced," and "From now on, we will fulfill the ruling party’s responsibilities."

It is also known that People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho and party secretary-general Park Jeong-ha visited the Yongsan Presidential Office the previous day and conveyed opinions that a responsible prime minister system and a constitutional amendment to shorten the term are necessary to resolve the crisis. President Yoon reportedly responded, "I understand. I will consider it carefully."

Analysts suggest that President Yoon’s mention of "entrusting the party" that day also reflects a judgment that shortening the term or stepping back to a secondary role is preferable to impeachment.

However, even if President Yoon overcomes the impeachment hurdle, there is a possibility of division within the ruling party during the promised crisis resolution process.

This is because pro-Han and pro-Yoon factions may clash again over political stability measures and government administration. Although leader Han will try to seize control, it is unlikely that other potential presidential candidates within the ruling party will tolerate this.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.