[Breaking] Ruling Party Decides to Reject Impeachment Motion Against President Yoon and Special Prosecutor Bill for First Lady Kim

The People Power Party decided in a closed-door general meeting on the 7th to reject the special prosecutor bill for First Lady Kim Keon-hee and the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol, which are to be voted on in the National Assembly today. Representative Park Jeong-hoon announced on Facebook, "The party has decided to oppose both the impeachment and the special prosecutor bill."

For the presidential impeachment motion to pass, more than two-thirds of the total members (200 out of 300) must agree. Even if all 192 opposition seats attend and vote in favor, it will be rejected unless there are more than 8 defectors from the People Power Party. However, since the vote is anonymous, there could be defectors not following the party line. Therefore, the possibility of adopting a collective non-participation strategy is being discussed.

Unlike the impeachment motion, the special prosecutor bill for First Lady Kim, which was returned to the National Assembly due to a presidential veto, requires a majority attendance and 'two-thirds of attending members' approval to pass. If the ruling party does not participate, the opposition could pass it alone, making it crucial for the People Power Party to ensure its members' participation in the vote.

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