Han Dong-hoon increases influence after Yoon Suk Yeol debacle

SEOUL - Since South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration on Dec 3, ruling People Power Party chair Han Dong-hoon has publicly denounced Mr Yoon and his decree, unlike the majority of his party.

“Those responsible for unsettling the public and causing harm through unconstitutional martial law, including the president, must be held strictly accountable,” Mr Han stated during Dec 5’s party meeting.

Though Mr Han stated that he would work to block the impeachment motion submitted by six opposition parties, he called on the president to leave the party.

Mr Han also argued that military officials directly involved in the incident should be “immediately removed” from their positions to “alleviate public anxiety” about something similar happening again.

“It is essential to demonstrate that participating in such unconstitutional and illegal martial law actions will result in immediate punishment in order to restore stability within the military,” emphasised Mr Han.

When Mr Yoon first declared martial law, Mr Han openly criticised Mr Yoon’s actions just 20 minutes after the proclamation was made, stating that Mr Yoon’s decision was “wrong” and that he plans to stop Mr Yoon’s move “alongside the people.”

It was later found that the 18 lawmakers in the People Power Party who voted with Mr Han in favor of the resolution calling for the repeal of martial law on Dec 4 consisted mostly of party members said to be Mr Han’s allies.

Following the repeal of martial law, Mr Han put forth proposals during the ruling party’s Supreme Council meeting on Dec 4, calling for the resignation of the entire Cabinet, the dismissal of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun - said to have masterminded the martial law declaration - as well as the president’s expulsion from the party. Since then, Mr Kim has submitted his resignation to Mr Yoon, which the president accepted on Dec 5.

It was also revealed on Dec 5 that the People Power Party asked the police for enhanced protection for Mr Han, citing “great concern” for his safety.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the party has enhanced security measures for Mr Han but has also requested police assistance due to “rumors that an ‘arrest squad’ was sent in to detain him after emergency martial law was declared”.

When Mr Han and Mr Yoon met at the Presidential Office on Dec 4, Mr Han reportedly brought up the alleged arrest squad with Mr Yoon, to which the president reportedly responded that the troops were likely acting under the martial law decree if such claims were true.

“The recent incident significantly deviates from the principles of liberal democracy,” Mr Han stated on Dec 5. “I will take full responsibility and lead efforts to resolve this crisis.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK