People Power Party Unable to Reach Conclusion on 'Impeachment Vote' Eve... Continued Heated Debate

40-50 Lawmakers Express Opinions

Despite Han's Pro-Impeachment Stance, Party's 'Anti-Impeachment' Position Remains Undecided

The People Power Party is conducting a 'marathon general assembly' on the 6th, a day before the vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol, but has not reached a significant conclusion by 8 PM. The core issue of the assembly, which started in the morning, is whether to maintain the party's 'anti-impeachment' stance in the vote on the 7th.

The People Power Party decided on this stance in a general assembly on the 5th, but Han Dong-hoon, the representative, effectively shifted his position to support after confirming that President Yoon ordered the arrest of major politicians during martial law. This has led to movements supporting President Yoon's impeachment, especially among pro-Han (pro-Han Dong-hoon) factions, drawing attention to whether the existing party stance will be maintained.

If more than 8 out of the 108 lawmakers of the People Power Party agree, the impeachment motion will pass. Representative Han attended the afternoon assembly and said, "I met with President Yoon but did not hear anything that would overturn my judgment."

However, Shin Dong-wook, the chief spokesperson for the floor, told reporters after the afternoon assembly adjournment, "The party stance has already been decided, and there was no discussion on changing it," adding, "There was no claim to re-discuss the party stance, and it remains as it is for now." When asked if Representative Han seems to have a different opinion from the party stance, Shin replied, "It doesn't seem like Representative Han is against the party stance."

In the assembly, 40-50 lawmakers presented personal opinions on the martial law situation and the handling of the impeachment motion, leading to a heated debate. According to Shin, many lawmakers said that President Yoon should provide additional explanations about the martial law situation before and after the impeachment vote.

Shin stated, "We heard various opinions on this situation, and since the vote tomorrow does not mean the end, there were various discussions on how we can regain public trust and restore party-government relations." He emphasized, "To my memory, no lawmaker specifically expressed an opinion in favor of impeachment."

Cho Kyung-tae, a pro-Han faction lawmaker who was the first among ruling party lawmakers to publicly express a pro-impeachment stance, explained, "It seems that lawmakers generally feel the pace of impeachment is a bit fast. It seems to be in consideration of the judicial risks and trials of the opposing party candidate (Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung)," adding, "There seems to be some talk about shortening the term through constitutional amendment." Regarding the possibility of changing the party stance, he said, "So far, it doesn't seem easy," and "Even among pro-Han faction lawmakers, opinions on impeachment are somewhat divided."

The People Power Party plans to resume the general assembly at 8:50 PM. Choo Kyung-ho, the floor leader, said, "It seems we need a little more time to share opinions," adding, "It's too early to say we've organized (the party's position) externally."

Ahn Hye-won, Hankyung.com reporter anhw@hankyung.com