People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon cited evidence that President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the arrest of prominent politicians.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol must be suspended following his short-lived declaration of martial law, the head of the country’s ruling party said on Dec. 6, citing “credible evidence” that Yoon sought to arrest and detain political leaders following his proclamation.
The leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, made the comments one day after the party announced its opposition to impeaching Yoon over his decision to declare martial law, the first such declaration since 1980.
The main opposition Democratic Party has scheduled an impeachment vote for Saturday.
Speaking after a PPP meeting in parliament, Han said evidence had emerged that Yoon ordered the arrest and detention of prominent politicians at Gwacheon, south of Seoul, on the grounds they were among “anti-state forces.”
“I said yesterday that I would try not to pass this impeachment in order to prevent damage to the people and supporters caused by the unprepared chaos,” Han said. “But I believe that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s immediate suspension of office is necessary to protect the Republic of Korea and its people in light of the newly revealed facts.”
Han stopped short of explicitly calling for impeachment and did not respond to reporters when asked for clarification.
Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday as part of what he said were efforts to combat unspecified threats from “anti-state forces” within the opposition.
In a statement, Yoon said the opposition was “paralyzing” judicial operations and the executive branch and accused members of the opposing parties of sympathizing with North Korea.
He reversed the decision just six hours later after the National Assembly, with 190 of its 300 members present, unanimously voted to oppose the decree.
Along with facing impeachment, South Korean prosecutors have opened a treason investigation into Yoon, his interior minister, and the defense minister—who has since been replaced—over their alleged roles in the attempt to impose martial law, according to local media reports.
Yoon’s approval rating plummeted to a new low of 13 percent, according to the latest Gallup Korea poll released on Friday.
Despite widespread backlash over his surprise proclamation, not all lawmakers in South Korea are in favor of impeaching Yoon.
Yoon Sang-hyun, a five-time ruling party lawmaker, told reporters on Friday that he opposes impeaching the president while accusing Han of failing to consult enough with senior party members.
“We cannot impeach the president tomorrow and hand over the regime to Lee Jae-Myung’s Democratic Party,” he said. “It is not for the sake of protecting President Yoon Suk Yeol, but for the sake of the Republic of Korea’s system and our children’s future.”
The lawmaker said he cannot participate in the impeachment vote on Saturday.
Opposition parties need a two-thirds majority in the 300-member National Assembly to pass the impeachment bill against Yoon. Opposition parties hold 192 seats. Yoon’s party has 108 legislators, so eight would have to side with the opposition for the bill to pass.
If the measure passes, Yoon will be suspended from his role immediately and the country’s prime minister, currently Han Duck-soo, will serve as interim president. South Korea’s Constitutional Court will then decide whether or not to uphold the impeachment.
If the court rules in favor of impeaching Yoon, a new election will be held in the country within 60 days.
Reuters contributed to this report.