South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol will step back from state affairs, including conduct of the country’s diplomacy, prime minister Han Duck-soo announced on Sunday, as his cabinet seeks to negotiate an “orderly exit”.
Yoon survived an impeachment attempt on Saturday night, after members of his conservative People Power party (PPP) boycotted the vote amid chaotic scenes in the country’s national assembly.
The result of the vote, which was met with dismay by the hundreds of thousands of people gathered outside parliament, is likely to prolong a mounting political crisis in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Opposition parties have promised to file the same impeachment motion every week until Yoon resigns or is removed over his failed attempt to impose military rule, during which he dispatched troops to try to stop parliament over-ruling his martial law decree.
Defending his party’s decision to boycott the impeachment vote, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said that its leaders would “pursue an orderly resignation from Yoon” to “minimise confusion and turmoil”.
On Sunday, Han said in a joint public appearance with the prime minister that “president Yoon will not be involved in handling state affairs, including diplomacy, even before his resignation”.
“The government will do its best to keep the trust of our allies,” said prime minister Han, a Yoon appointee and career technocrat. “Most importantly,the approval of the government budget plan and accompanying bills is key to the country’s normal operation.”
Analysts said the PPP’s strategy appeared to be to avoid a split over an impeachment vote, while buying time to prepare for a presidential election that would follow Yoon’s departure.
But they warned the party’s deal with the president, which involved him delivering a terse, televised apology in his only public appearance since withdrawing the martial law decree, was unlikely to quell growing public anger.
On Sunday, prosecutors said they had arrested former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, a high school classmate of the president accused of playing a central role in planning and executing the doomed martial law gambit. Kim resigned from his post in the aftermath of the apparent coup attempt.
yoon, a staunch pro-American best known in the US for his rendition of “American Pie” at a state dinner in Washington last year, has repaired ties with neighbouring Japan and pursued a more hawkish stance towards North Korea and China than his leftwing predecessor Moon jae-in.
Western diplomats expect any leftwing successor to halt burgeoning trilateral military and political co-operation with the US and Japan, pursue a more conciliatory line with North Korea, china and Russia and rule out arms supplies to Ukraine.
How might a change in leadership from the conservative People Power Party impact South KoreaS relations with the United States and North Korea?
Time.news Interview: analyzing South Korea’s Political Turmoil with Expert Dr. Jisoo Park
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Park. As an expert in East Asian politics, you’ve been closely following the recent developments surrounding South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Can you explain the importance of his cabinet’s announcement that he will step back from state affairs?
Dr. Jisoo Park: Thank you for having me.The decision for President Yoon to step back from state affairs, particularly diplomacy, signifies a critical moment in South korea’s political landscape. It suggests that his administration is grappling with unprecedented pressure and public dissent. This diminished role before his resignation aligns with the cabinet’s efforts to negotiate an “orderly exit,” aiming to stabilize a turbulent political surroundings amidst ongoing protests.
Time.news Editor: indeed, the protests speak volumes. Following the recent impeachment vote where the conservative People Power Party (PPP) boycotted, what are the implications of this action?
Dr. Jisoo Park: The boycott of the impeachment vote is a strategic move by the PPP to prevent further internal divisions. It allows them to maintain unity while simultaneously buying time to prepare for a potential presidential election post-Yoon’s departure. However, it also reflects an alarming disregard for democratic processes, which could exacerbate public discontent. Opposition parties, pledging to file impeachment motions weekly, may create a cycle of instability that prolongs the current crisis.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned public discontent. How do you see the public’s reaction evolving considering Yoon’s televised apology after withdrawing the martial law decree?
Dr. Jisoo Park: The apology may not be sufficient to placate the growing anger among the populace. many citizens are frustrated, particularly after Yoon’s failed attempt to impose military rule.His past associations and performance, including his pro-American stance and issues in domestic policy, have fueled skepticism about his leadership. Unless significant reforms or changes are initiated, I anticipate that protests could intensify.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of reforms, what steps can the PPP take to regain public trust, or is that a lost cause?
Dr. Jisoo park: To regain public trust, the PPP must distance itself decisively from Yoon’s actions and present a clear plan for governance that prioritizes clarity and accountability. Listening to the public’s grievances and actively engaging in dialog would be essential. Leadership changes within the party could also signal a commitment to addressing the underlying issues that sparked this political upheaval.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead,how might a potential leftist successor affect South Korea’s foreign relations,especially with the US and neighboring countries?
Dr. jisoo Park: A leftist successor likely would pivot towards a more conciliatory approach regarding North Korea and China, in contrast to Yoon’s hawkish stance. This change could stall military cooperation with the US and Japan, which might create a geopolitical vacuum in the region. moreover, the new administration could prioritize domestic concerns over foreign military commitments, which might impact alliances and collaborative responses to international challenges.
Time.news editor: As events unfold, what practical advice can you offer to readers interested in understanding these developments?
Dr. Jisoo Park: Staying informed through diverse news sources is crucial. Additionally, engaging in discussions about the implications of these political changes on daily life—such as economic impacts and security concerns—can promote a more holistic understanding. Readers should also follow key political players and evolving narratives, as they play significant roles in shaping both domestic and international policies.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr.Park, for your insights into the complex situation in South Korea. Your expertise sheds light on the broader implications of these events.
Dr. Jisoo Park: Thank you for having me.It’s essential to keep a watchful eye on these developments, as they will undoubtedly shape the future of South Korea and its role in the international community.