Han Dong-hoon warns on CNN: "Risk of repeated extreme actions if Yoon remains in office"

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, has directly explained the background of his shift from opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

In an interview with CNN released on the 6th, Han stated that President Yoon "must be immediately suspended from duty to protect the nation from serious danger." Previously, Han had expressed a critical stance on President Yoon's declaration of martial law but maintained a party line of "opposition" to impeachment.

CNN interpreted Han's change of stance as "a dramatic reversal that signals support for the opposition's impeachment efforts," noting that "the leader of South Korea's ruling party has called for the immediate suspension of President Yoon to save the country from 'great danger.'"

Additionally, CNN reported that Han changed his position after receiving 'credible evidence' that President Yoon ordered the arrest of key politicians, including himself, during the martial law declaration on the 3rd.

After shifting to support impeachment, Han stated, "If President Yoon continues to hold office, there is a significant risk that extreme actions like the recent martial law declaration could be repeated, posing a grave danger to South Korea and its people."

Han mentioned that he was "not informed in advance" of President Yoon's martial law declaration and learned about it through TV broadcasts like the rest of the nation, which left him in great shock. "My first thought was 'this is a serious issue,'" he said.

He continued, "As the leader of the ruling party, I felt a responsibility to correct the situation," explaining that he rushed to the party office, gathered about 10 lawmakers, and headed to the National Assembly before the martial law forces could take control.

One lawmaker stated, "The 18 ruling party lawmakers who participated in the vote came because I brought them," adding, "More lawmakers wanted to participate, but the doors were blocked, preventing entry."

He also emphasized that "the swift withdrawal of martial law demonstrates the strength of our democracy," adding, "South Korea has a strong tradition of resolving crises democratically and through solidarity. As many have seen, the martial law issue was resolved swiftly, showcasing how mature South Korea's democracy is."

Kim So-yeon, Hankyung.com reporter sue123@hankyung.com