Yoon, Immediate Suspension of Authority… Loss of Head of State Status

Cannot Exercise Veto Power on Bills

Protocol and Security Continue

President Yoon Suk-yeol's status as head of state is suspended starting the 14th. Until the Constitutional Court reaches a conclusion on the impeachment trial, he loses his presidential status. However, since his presidential identity is not completely revoked, protocol and security are maintained.

According to the government, with the delivery of the impeachment resolution from the National Assembly to the Constitutional Court and the Presidential Office on this day, President Yoon cannot exercise the powers granted by the Constitution. These include the command of the armed forces, treaty ratification rights, pardon, commutation, and restoration rights, the right to request reconsideration of bills (veto power), the right to promulgate amendments, budget submission rights, and the appointment and dismissal of public officials. President Yoon must also cease all state management activities, including convening cabinet meetings and receiving and directing departmental reports.

The Presidential Secretariat and the National Security Office, which assist the president, will be under the direction of Acting Authority Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. However, until the Constitutional Court's decision, the title 'President Yoon Suk-yeol' is maintained. He can use official vehicles and the presidential aircraft. Staying at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong is also possible.

President Yoon has mostly stayed at the residence since declaring and then lifting martial law on the 3rd, except for addressing the nation. It is likely he will remain at the residence for the time being.

Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye also stayed at the Blue House, avoiding public exposure after their impeachment bills were passed.

Reporter Do Byung-wook dodo@hankyung.com