After a failed first attempt, the South Korean opposition will try again to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 14.

A first attempt failed on Saturday, December 7, 2024, the vote having been canceled due to the failure to reach the quorum in the absence of deputies supporting South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.

South Korea's main opposition party announced on Sunday, December 8, 2024, that it would again attempt to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 14, reports in particular Franceinfo.

During a press conference, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-Myung demanded that the conservative president “resign immediately or be impeached without delay”. An initial impeachment motion attempt, boycotted by lawmakers from the presidential party, failed on Saturday.

Pledge to step down obtained

President Yoon Suk-yeol's People Power Party (PPP) said on Sunday that it had obtained a commitment from the latter to step down. “Even before his step down, he will not interfere in state affairs or foreign relations”, said PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, adding that Yoon had agreed to hand over power to his party.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was nominated to assume the presidential duties with the support of the PPP, met with Han Dong-hoon on Sunday to discuss the terms of Yoon Suk-yeol's withdrawal. Han Duck-soo assured that “all members of the State Council, including myself, will put the will of the people first” and promised to work to maintain the “stability” of the country.

Investigation for “rebellion”

In related news, Interior Minister Lee Sang-min announced his resignation Sunday morning, according to several local media outlets. In his resignation letter, he acknowledged his “responsibility for failing to serve the people and the president well”, according to the JoongAng Ilbo daily. Lee Sang-min, like Yoon Suk-yeol, is under investigation for “rebellion” after martial law was temporarily imposed on Tuesday night.

Local media also reported Sunday that former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was in office during martial law, has been arrested. According to the Yonhap agency, although banned from leaving the country, Kim Yong-hyun voluntarily reported to authorities after leaving office.