South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Friday confirmed President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal from office. This marks the second time in the nation’s history that a sitting president has been removed in the middle of his term by impeachment.
Below are reactions from prominent political leaders and other notable individuals to the historic moment.
Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader, liberal Democratic Party of Korea
Lee, the runner-up to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, is now the leading contender for the next presidency.
"South Korea is the only country in the world where unarmed citizens have peacefully brought down a lawless regime. The world will take a fresh look at Korea and come to admire the strength of K-democracy. (Yoon's removal) marks the true beginning of a new Republic of Korea."
Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader, conservative People Power Party
Rep. Kweon doubles as the conservative party's caretaker leader, since its chair, Han Dong-hoon, resigned in December amidst internal turmoil over whether or not to support Yoon's impeachment.
“The presidential election is just two months away. Though time is limited, we cannot retreat. We must not hand over South Korea, built and safeguarded through our blood, sweat and tears, to the dangerous forces aligned with Lee Jae-myung."
Rep. Lee Jun-seok, leader, minor conservative New Reform Party
Lee, who in the past headed People Power Party, has already thrown his hat into the presidential race, announcing his run for the early presidential election.
“Today’s ruling was a judgment on the outrageous attempt to resort to military force when politics failed. The people will deliver the same judgment to the main opposition party, which used its overwhelming majority in the National Assembly as a weapon, repeatedly pushing for impeachment to prevent a single person from being arrested. The people will not overlook that abuse of power.”
Rep. Park Jie-won, five-time lawmaker, Democratic Party
A veteran politician and former head of the country's intelligence agency, Park, 82, is one of the most influential figures in the liberal bloc.
“I welcome the Constitutional Court’s flawless decision, which will serve as a compass for the investigations and criminal trial of former President Yoon."
“The Constitutional Court’s decision will serve as a compass for future investigations and criminal trials. Now, we must reform the country and move toward the future. We must remove all the sprouts of internal strife that deny the very existence of the people, the media and the opposition party, in order to move toward the future."
Yoo Seong-min, former four-term lawmaker, member of People Power Party
Yoo, regarded as a reformist dissenter within the conservative People Power Party, competed against Yoon in the 2022 presidential primary.
“If the conservative bloc fails to reinvent itself, it will not regain the public’s trust. We must start again, with a mindset to break down the old and build something new.”
Kim Dong-yeon, governor of Gyeonggi Province, member of Democratic Party
A member of the liberal Democratic Party, Kim is considered a potential presidential candidate.
“The ringleader of the insurrection has been ousted, but much work remains. We must rebuild systems to ensure that such reckless acts, which threaten our democratic republic, never happen again. Those who supported the insurrection and fueled violence must also face consequences."
Hong Joon-pyo, mayor of Daegu, member of People Power Party
Hong was defeated by Yoon in the conservative party's primary for the 2022 presidential election.
“Whether right or wrong, the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol is now in the past. What matters now is uniting the nation and moving beyond conflict and division. I have been thoroughly preparing for this election, considering it the final mission of my 30-year political career.”
Han Dong-hoon, former leader, People Power Party
Once a staunch ally of Yoon, prosecutor-turned-politician Han headed the People Power Party as chair until he resigned on Dec. 14 amid an internal feud over Yoon's martial law.
“I feel your pain, your disappointment, and your unease. Even in hardship, we must hold fast to the principles of liberal democracy and our duty to the community. Let’s unite to safeguard Korea and work toward a brighter future.”
cjh@heraldcorp.com
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