The Breathless Impeachment Train... Republic of Korea, Nothing in Sight
"The party justifying rebellion must be dissolved!"
On the 7th, both the impeachment bill against President Yoon Suk-yeol and the Kim Keon-hee special prosecutor bill were rejected in the National Assembly. Except for Representative Ahn Cheolsoo, all People Power Party lawmakers left the main chamber after participating in the vote for the Kim Keon-hee special prosecutor bill. Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, called out the names of the departing People Power Party lawmakers, shouting, "Come back quickly!"
After finishing their respective caucus meetings, both ruling and opposition lawmakers entered the main chamber. The special prosecutor bill regarding First Lady Kim Keonhee was put to a vote first. With all 300 lawmakers present, the bill was ultimately rejected with 198 votes in favor and 102 against. For a re-vote, the attendance of at least two-thirds of the lawmakers is required.
With the bill rejected by just two votes, People Power Party lawmakers stood up. This was to abstain from the impeachment vote against President Yoon Suk-yeol. Since the requirement for passing the impeachment bill is 'approval by at least two-thirds of all lawmakers,' if People Power Party lawmakers leave and do not participate, the impeachment bill is automatically rejected.
As People Power Party lawmakers exited the chamber, opposition lawmakers shouted at them. Choi Minhee of the Democratic Party stood in their path holding a sign reading, "People Power Party, join us." The People Power Party lawmakers left the chamber without making eye contact with opposition lawmakers. Only Ahn Cheolsoo of the People Power Party remained seated in the chamber.
Opposition lawmakers urged the return of People Power Party lawmakers and encouraged voting on the impeachment bill. Park Kyuntaek of the Democratic Party said to National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, "Please call them back so at least the bill can be formally rejected!" Park Chan-dae, the Democratic Party floor leader, also called out the names of People Power Party lawmakers one by one. He especially shouted, "Please come back!" to lawmakers Kwak Gyutaek, Kim Sangwook, Kim Sungwon, Kim Yongtae, Kim Jaeseop, Kim Hyungdong, Park Sumin, Park Jungha, Park Junghoon, Seo Beomsu, Shin Sungbeom, Woo Jaejun, Jang Donghyuk, Jung Sungguk, Jung Yeonwook, Joo Jinwoo, Cho Kyungtae, and Han Jia, who had supported the resolution demanding the lifting of President Yoon's martial law declaration. While Park was calling out the names, Democratic Party lawmakers also stood up and joined in calling the names.
Park, the floor leader, struck the podium with his hand and said, "Joining the impeachment of President Yoon, the ringleader of rebellion, is the historical duty of the National Assembly," adding, "All lawmakers, both ruling and opposition, must suspend the duties of President Yoon, the ringleader of rebellion. For the nation and the people, we will impeach President Yoon."
Representative Ahn, who remained alone, participated in the impeachment vote. When he put his ballot in the box, some opposition lawmakers applauded.
Fifty-two Democratic Party lawmakers had not yet participated in the main vote. They intended to delay until People Power Party lawmakers returned to vote. Procedurally, voting is possible until 12:48 a.m. on the 8th, 72 hours after the impeachment bill was reported at 12:48 a.m. on the 5th. Speaker Woo, who was waiting for the return of People Power Party lawmakers, said, "How will the people and history view those who do not participate in the vote during the process of handling the unjust martial law? Are you not afraid of the judgment of history and the people?"
While they were waiting for the return of People Power Party lawmakers, Kim Yeji of the People Power Party returned to the chamber to vote. When she appeared, opposition lawmakers said, "Thank you." Kim Yeji completed her vote without any particular response and left the chamber.
Kim Sangwook of the People Power Party also returned to the chamber at around 6:50 p.m. to vote. On either side of him were Democratic Party lawmakers Shin Junghoon and Lee Haesik, linking arms with him. When Kim Sangwook appeared, aides and staff waiting at the front of the chamber cheered, chanting "Kim Sangwook! Kim Sangwook!" However, Kim Sangwook cast a dissenting vote.
After voting, Kim Sangwook told reporters, "I am a conservative. I still believe in conservative values and live with the determination to realize them," adding, "Today, I do not believe President Yoon is qualified to serve as president, but since I am still a member of the party, I did not agree with the impeachment bill in accordance with the party's position."
On the morning of the 7th, when the vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seokyeol was scheduled, citizens at the Seoul Station waiting room watched the live broadcast of the president's national address. Photo by Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘President Issues Public Apology Only on the Day of Impeachment Vote
President Yoon, 10 a.m. Live National Address... Announces Position on Martial Law Situation
[Full Text] President Yoon's Apology for Martial Law in National Address
President Yoon: "I Apologize to the People... I Leave Term and Political Stability Measures to the Party"
Yoon's Address After Five Days... Appears to Accept Shortened Term and Step Back from Second Term
Opposition Takes Hardline Stance: "President's Resignation Is the Only Way"
Lee Jaemyung, Press Briefing: "Immediate Resignation, No Other Way but Impeachment"
Han Donghoon and Han Ducksoo Meet Right After President's Apology: "Yoon Cannot Perform Duties"
Han Donghoon: "Yoon Cannot Perform Normal Duties... Early Retirement Inevitable"
On the 6th, Lee Jae Myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Cho Kuk, leader of the Innovation Party, are talking at the joint press conference of civic groups and five opposition parties urging the condemnation of the People Power Party and the passage of the impeachment motion, held on the stairs in front of the National Assembly main building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Political Circles Descend Into Extreme Confrontation...
Kim Dongyeon, on Yoon's Address: "Coup Leader Must Step Down Immediately and Be Impeached"
Hong Joonpyo: "President's Address Shifts Responsibility to Party... Situation Worsening"
Lee Junseok, on Yoon's Address: "Um Seokdae's Small World Has Collapsed"
On the afternoon of the 6th, citizens are holding signs calling for the president's impeachment in front of the National Assembly in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Calls for Resignation Continue Across Society: "Ringleader of Rebellion, Step Down"
Foreign Media Also Continue Criticism of Yoon
Foreign Media Urgently Report President Yoon's Apology... "Apology Ahead of Impeachment Vote"
WSJ: "Korean First Lady Is Endangering Her Husband's Position"
People Power Party Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho and Representative Shin Dong-wook are participating in the re-vote on the special investigation law for First Lady Kim Keon-hee at the National Assembly plenary session on the afternoon of the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Nevertheless... People Power Party Finalizes Party Line to Oppose Impeachment
Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, is declaring the opening of the plenary session at the National Assembly on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Kim Keonhee Special Prosecutor Bill Rejected in National Assembly, and Then...
"People Power Party lawmaker OOO, please return and participate in the vote"
Park Sungjun: "People Power Party Is Preventing Lawmakers from Voting Using Caucus as Excuse"
Democratic Party Tearfully Requests Vote on Yoon's Impeachment Bill... "Earnestly Appealing"
"Korea's Loyal Ruling Party, Boycotts" - Foreign Media Urgently Report 'Yoon Impeachment Vote'
The following is the list of lawmakers who did not participate in the vote on Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment bill.
(As of 9:20 p.m. on the 7th)
Kang Daesik (Daegu Dong-gu Gunwi-gun-eul)
Kang Myunggu (Gyeongbuk Gumi-si-eul)
Kang Minkook (Gyeongnam Jinju-si-eul)
Kang Sunyoung (Proportional)
Kang Seungkyu (Chungnam Hongseong-gun Yesan-gun)
Ko Dongjin (Seoul Gangnam-gu-byeong)
Kwak Gyutaek (Busan Seo-gu Dong-gu)
Koo Jagun (Gyeongbuk Gumi-si-gap)
Kwon Seongdong (Gangwon Gangneung-si)
Kwon Youngse (Seoul Yongsan-gu)
Kwon Youngjin (Daegu Dalseo-gu-byeong)
Kim Geon (Proportional)
Kim Kiwoong (Daegu Jung-gu Nam-gu)
Kim Kihyun (Ulsan Nam-gu-eul)
Kim Daesik (Busan Sasang-gu)
Kim Doeup (Busan Gangseo-gu)
Kim Mi-ae (Busan Haeundae-gu-eul)
Kim Minjeon (Proportional)
Kim Sanghoon (Daegu Seo-gu)
Kim Seokki (Gyeongbuk Gyeongju-si)
Kim Seongkyo (Gyeonggi Yeoju-si Yangpyeong-gun)
Kim Sungwon (Gyeonggi Dongducheon-si Yangju-si Yeoncheon-gu-eul)
Kim Sohee (Proportional)
Kim Seungsu (Daegu Buk-gu-eul)
Kim Yongtae (Gyeonggi Pocheon-si Gapyeong-gun)
Kim Wisang (Proportional)
Kim Eunhye (Gyeonggi Seongnam-si Bundang-gu-eul)
Kim Jangkyum (Proportional)
Kim Jaeseop (Seoul Dobong-gu-gap)
Kim Jeongjae (Gyeongbuk Pohang-si Buk-gu)
Kim Jongyang (Gyeongnam Changwon-si Uichang-gu)
Kim Taeho (Gyeongnam Yangsan-si-eul)
Kim Hyungdong (Gyeongbuk Andong-si Yecheon-gun)
Kim Heejeong (Busan Yeonje-gu)
Na Kyungwon (Seoul Dongjak-gu-eul)
Park Daechul (Gyeongnam Jinju-si-gap)
Park Deokheum (Chungbuk Boeun-gun Okcheon-gun Yeongdong-gun Gwesan-gun)
Park Sangwoong (Gyeongnam Miryang-si Uiryeong-gun Haman-gun Changnyeong-gun)
Park Sungmin (Ulsan Jung-gu)
Park Sunghoon (Busan Buk-gu-eul)
Park Sumin (Seoul Gangnam-gu-eul)
Park Sooyoung (Busan Nam-gu)
Park Jungha (Gangwon Wonju-si-gap)
Park Junghoon (Seoul Songpa-gu-gap)
Park Juntae (Proportional)
Park Chungkwon (Proportional)
Park Hyungsoo (Gyeongbuk Uiseong-gun Cheongsong-gun Yeongdeok-gun Uljin-gun)
Bae Junyoung (Incheon Jung-gu Ganghwa-gun Ongjin-gun)
Bae Hyunjin (Seoul Songpa-gu-eul)
Baek Jongheon (Busan Geumjeong-gu)
Seo Myeongok (Seoul Gangnam-gu-gap)
Seo Beomsu (Ulsan Ulju-gun)
Seo Iljun (Gyeongnam Geoje-si)
Seo Jiyeong (Busan Dongnae-gu)
Seo Cheonho (Gyeongnam Sacheon-si Namhae-gun Hadong-gun)
Sung Iljong (Chungnam Seosan-si Taean-gun)
Song Seokjun (Gyeonggi Icheon-si)
Song Eonseok (Gyeongbuk Gimcheon-si)
Shin Dongwook (Seoul Seocho-gu-eul)
Shin Sungbeom (Gyeongnam Sancheong-gun Hamyang-gun Geochang-gun Hapcheon-gun)
An Sanghoon (Proportional)
Eom Taeyoung (Chungbuk Jecheon-si Danyang-gun)
Woo Jaejun (Daegu Buk-gu-gap)
Yoo Sangbeom (Gangwon Hongcheon-gun Hoengseong-gun Yeongwol-gun Pyeongchang-gun)
Yoo Youngha (Daegu Dalseo-gu-gap)
Yoo Yongwon (Proportional)
Yoon Sanghyun (Incheon Dong-gu Michuhol-gu-eul)
Yoon Youngseok (Gyeongnam Yangsan-si-gap)
Yoon Jaeok (Daegu Dalseo-gu-eul)
Yoon Hanhong (Gyeongnam Changwon-si Masanhwawon-gu)
Lee Dalhee (Proportional)
Lee Manhee (Gyeongbuk Yeongcheon-si Cheongdo-gun)
Lee Sanghui (Gyeongbuk Pohang-si Nam-gu Ulleung-gun)
Lee Seongkwon (Busan Saha-gu-gap)
Lee Yangsoo (Gangwon Sokcho-si Inje-gun Goseong-gun Yangyang-gun)
Lee Insun (Daegu Suseong-gu-eul)
Lee Jongbae (Chungbuk Chungju-si)
Lee Jonguk (Gyeongnam Changwon-si Jinhae-gu)
Lee Cheolgyu (Gangwon Donghae-si Taebaek-si Samcheok-si Jeongseon-gun)
Lee Heonseung (Busan Busanjin-gu-eul)
In Yo-han (Proportional)
Im Ija (Gyeongbuk Sangju-si Mungyeong-si)
Im Jongdeuk (Gyeongbuk Yeongju-si Yeongyang-gun Bonghwa-gun)
Jang Donghyuk (Chungnam Boryeong-si Seocheon-gun)
Jung Dongman (Busan Gijang-gun)
Jung Sungguk (Busan Busanjin-gu-gap)
Jung Yeonwook (Busan Suyeong-gu)
Jung Jeomsik (Gyeongnam Tongyeong-si Goseong-gun)
Jung Heeyong (Gyeongbuk Goryeong-gun Seongju-gun Chilgok-gun)
Cho Kyungtae (Busan Saha-gu-eul)
Cho Baesook (Proportional)
Cho Seunghwan (Busan Jung-gu Yeongdo-gu)
Cho Eunhee (Seoul Seocho-gu-gap)
Cho Junghoon (Seoul Mapo-gu-gap)
Cho Jiyeon (Gyeongbuk Gyeongsan-si)
Joo Jinwoo (Busan Haeundae-gu-gap)
Joo Ho-young (Daegu Suseong-gu-gap)
Jin Jongoh (Proportional)
Choi Boyoon (Proportional)
Choi Sujin (Proportional)
Choi Eunseok (Daegu Dong-gu Gunwi-gun-gap)
Choi Hyungdu (Gyeongnam Changwon-si Masanhappo-gu)
Chu Kyungho (Daegu Dalseong-gun)
Han Giho (Gangwon Chuncheon-si Cheorwon-gun Hwacheon-gun Yanggu-gun-eul)
Han Jia (Proportional)
Listed in alphabetical order.
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Reporter Na Juseok gonggam@asiae.co.kr
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Reporter Kong Byeongseon mydillon@asiae.co.kr
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Reporter Lee Dongwoo dwlee@asiae.co.kr
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Reporter Oh Jieun joy@asiae.co.kr
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Edit Park Chunghun parkjovi@asiae.co.kr
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