[Breaking] People Power Party to Walk Out After 'Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor Act' Vote... Will Not Participate in Impeachment Vote

The People Power Party decided on the 7th to reject both the Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor Act and the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol in the National Assembly plenary session. However, they will participate in the vote on the Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor Act and walk out during the impeachment vote. If all members of the ruling party walk out, the impeachment motion will be nullified.

The People Power Party confirmed in a general meeting of lawmakers held at the National Assembly that they will attend the re-vote on the Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor Act but will not participate in the presidential vote.

The impeachment motion against the president cannot be processed by opposition lawmakers alone. The impeachment motion requires the approval of two-thirds of the total members, meaning at least 8 votes from the ruling party must be in favor to reach 200 votes for it to pass. On the other hand, the Kim Keon-hee Special Prosecutor Act can be processed solely by opposition lawmakers. Since it is a bill being re-voted after a veto, it can pass without the ruling party with the attendance of a majority of the total members and the approval of two-thirds of the attending members.

Reporter Jeong So-ram ram@hankyung.com