The head of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s governing party signaled a shift towards supporting his removal as president after his short-lived declaration of martial law plunged the country into chaos. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, previously opposed impeaching Yoon, but changed his stance upon learning that Yoon had ordered the arrest of politicians in addition to declaring martial law. Han expressed concerns that Yoon’s actions posed a threat to South Korea and its people.
The opposition bloc is likely to seek Yoon’s impeachment with the PPP’s support, following the lifting of the martial law order and growing discontent with Yoon’s leadership. Yoon’s emergency declaration, which blamed opposition lawmakers for government paralysis, sparked widespread backlash and concerns about potential future martial law declarations.
The U.S. government expressed deep concerns over the martial law declaration and welcomed its lifting. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the U.S.’s alliance with South Korea, viewing it as crucial in the region’s geopolitical landscape. The postponement of planned military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea indicated the seriousness of the political turmoil in South Korea.
The chaotic events surrounding Yoon’s martial law declaration and subsequent lifting highlighted the tension within the country. Troops infiltrated the National Election Commission headquarters during the martial law period, raising concerns about the military’s involvement. Despite these events, South Korean authorities stressed that there were no plans to detain or hinder commission personnel.
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