Methodology for Yoon's Early Resignation Maximized... Will Detention Lead to Suspension from Duty?

Ruling Party's 'Orderly Resignation'... No Concrete Plan Presented
Opposition Demands Immediate Abdication or Suspension via Impeachment
Possibility of Suspension Due to Detention Also Emerges

The issue of early resignation of President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is accused of insurrection, is the biggest topic. Previously, the opposition party attempted impeachment through a plenary session, but it was declared 'invalid' as the attendance of ruling party members was insufficient to meet the two-thirds majority of the total members. In political circles, there are claims that in addition to impeachment, resignation, and constitutional amendment for term reduction, President Yoon's detention could lead to suspension of his powers.

On the 9th, political circles reached a consensus on the necessity of suspending President Yoon's duties, but there are many disagreements on the solution. The opposition and others are demanding immediate resignation or suspension of duties through the National Assembly's impeachment resolution. The ruling party officially advocates for a 'orderly resignation,' but has yet to present concrete measures. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, said the previous day, "We are trying to listen to various opinions," indicating ongoing internal consultations within the party.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a national address at the Yongsan Presidential Office Building in Seoul on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News

However, within the People Power Party, there are calls to act quickly amid worsening public opinion. Kim Jong-hyuk, a Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, said, "Rather than continuous clashes between the ruling and opposition parties, it would cause less conflict and discord if the president quickly presents a resignation program," adding, "The wisest way is to quickly set a schedule for early resignation." Meanwhile, voices calling for 'early resignation' are growing louder as public opinion deteriorates by the hour.

Currently, the opposition strongly demands immediate resignation or resolution through the National Assembly's impeachment process. According to the National Assembly Act, which prohibits reconsideration of rejected bills within the same session, the opposition plans to push for impeachment again on the 14th. Although discussions on constitutional amendment for term reduction surfaced initially, political circles view it as unrealistic unless the opposition agrees, since such an amendment would require recognizing President Yoon's status for a considerable period.

There is also the possibility of suspension of duties through detention. Professor Lim Ji-bong of Sogang University Law School said, "Considering the gravity and significance of the case, President Yoon's denial of the crime, and the possibility of evidence tampering, an arrest warrant could be issued," adding, "In this case, it would correspond to the 'accident' stipulated in the Constitution, and the acting president should be appointed according to the order of ministers prescribed by law." Detention investigation corresponds to the 'accident' under Article 71 of the Constitution, meaning the president is temporarily unable to perform duties.

For the ruling party, this method could be seen as a breakthrough. If President Yoon is detained, it could partially alleviate public outrage and buy time. While it would initiate a presidential acting system, it could delay the early presidential election phase itself. It is known that the ruling party is considering that Lee Jae-myung, the opposition's top presidential candidate and leader of the Democratic Party, has been convicted of violating election laws and is awaiting second and third trial verdicts. If an early presidential election occurs, it would be difficult to reverse the election phase, but according to the so-called 6·3·3 principle?where the first trial takes six months, and the second and third trials take three months each?if they can hold out until the first half of next year, they could wait for the Supreme Court's final ruling on Lee.

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