Pro-Han Dong-hoon Lawmakers Declare Opposition to Impeachment... Possibility of Rejection Increases

Cho Kyung-tae, Jang Dong-hyuk, Jin Jong-oh Oppose Impeachment

Lawmakers of the People Power Party, who are part of the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction and were expected to cast dissenting votes on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol, are publicly declaring their opposition to the impeachment. This follows President Yoon's announcement to entrust the party with measures for political stability, including his term.

Cho Kyung-tae, a six-term lawmaker and a leading figure in the pro-Han faction, expressed his opposition to the impeachment motion during a closed-door party meeting at the National Assembly on the 7th. Cho told reporters, "I have decided to follow the will of Leader Han," and added, "I believe it is right for Leader Han to take immediate action upon being entrusted."

Jin Jong-oh also expressed his opposition to the impeachment motion against President Yoon on Facebook, stating, "As a member of the People Power Party leadership, I solemnly promise to the people that I will do my utmost to restore public trust and normalize state affairs, recognizing the gravity of the current situation."

While Song Seok-jun did not directly express opposition, he hinted at it by welcoming President Yoon's apology and statement on Facebook, saying, "The People Power Party will actively address and rectify past shortcomings and trial and error."

Jang Dong-hyuk is also reported to have expressed opposition to the impeachment motion against President Yoon during a party meeting the previous day.

The impeachment motion against President Yoon will be put to a vote at 5 p.m. today. The requirement for passing the impeachment is 'approval by at least two-thirds of the total lawmakers,' which means 200 approvals are needed out of 300 lawmakers. With the opposition holding 192 seats, the impeachment motion will pass if eight lawmakers from the People Power Party vote in favor.

The possibility of the impeachment motion passing seemed to increase after Leader Han stated the need for President Yoon's suspension from duties the previous day. However, the situation reversed when President Yoon effectively announced a 'step back' through a public address, and the pro-Han faction lawmakers, who were expected to cast dissenting votes, declared their opposition, further lowering the possibility of passage. It is reported that during the People Power Party meeting, there was a consensus on 'orderly resignation' through measures like constitutional amendment for term reduction.

Reporter Hong Min-seong, Hankyung.com mshong@hankyung.com