South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will not engage in the work of government ahead of his impending resignation, the ruling party leader said Sunday, a day after an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his declaration of martial law failed.
“Even before his resignation, the president will not be involved in state affairs, including diplomacy,” People Power Party leader Han Dong Hoon said in a statement, without elaborating on when Yoon is expected to step down.
Han said he will oversee national affairs in close consultation with Prime Minister Han Duck Soo.
People Power Party leader Han Dong Hoon (R) and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo deliver a statement at the ruling party’s headquarters in Seoul on Dec. 8, 2024. (For editorial use only)(Yonhap/Kyodo)
The prime minister, who appeared with the party chief, emphasized that maintaining a strong alliance with the United States, and reinforcing trilateral ties also involving Japan, are “important” tasks.
The remarks came amid concerns in Japan and the United States that the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea may threaten improving relations between Tokyo and Seoul and progress in trilateral cooperation.
In Tokyo, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Japan has been monitoring the situation in South Korea “with special and serious interest.”
“South Korea is a valuable and important neighbor to our country. We will continue to work closely together,” he told reporters.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol bows after delivering an address to the nation at the presidential office in Seoul on Dec. 7, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the South Korean presidential office)(For editorial use only)(Yonhap/Kyodo)
Relations between Tokyo and Seoul have improved under the conservative administration led by Yoon, who took office in 2022, with the South Korean government proposing a solution to a thorny dispute over wartime labor compensation last year.
South Korean politics were thrown into turmoil when Yoon abruptly declared martial law late on Tuesday to rein in what he described as “anti-state” activities.
The declared martial law only lasted six hours as lawmakers quickly convened early Wednesday and voted for it to be lifted.
While Yoon was condemned for the move by lawmakers and the public, he survived an impeachment motion Saturday after it failed to secure the required votes in parliament.
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