South Korea's Ruling Party Leader Steps Down

Leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, said Monday he is stepping down amid growing internal strife following the National Assembly's vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.

He made the announcement during a press conference after an impeachment motion against Yoon was passed 204-85 on Saturday over his botched imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The results showed 12 PPP lawmakers likely broke from their party line to vote in favor of impeachment.

Han expressed support for Yoon's impeachment Thursday despite his earlier calls for the president's "orderly" exit.

"I am stepping down as the leader of the People Power Party," Han said. "It has become impossible to carry out my duties as party chief due to the collapse of the party's Supreme Council." Han had initially vowed to continue his duties but appears to have shifted his stance amid mounting pressure to step down after all five elected members of the PPP's Supreme Council, including two considered to be closely aligned with Han, expressed their intent to resign.

Newly elected floor leader Kweon Seong-dong will become the acting head of the conservative party. Kwon has the authority to appoint the head of an emergency leadership committee of the party.

(QNA)