Main opposition leader calls for suspension of Yoon's presidential duties as soon as possible
Main Opposition Party leader Lee Jae-myung speaks about President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment at National Assembly in Seoul, Dec. 6. Yonhap
The main opposition leader said Friday that President Yoon Suk Yeol's duties should be promptly suspended as he abused his power by declaring martial law this week, labeling Yoon as the "mastermind behind a rebellion."
Lee Jae-myung, the chief of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), ratcheted up pressure against Yoon on the eve of a parliamentary vote on an impeachment motion against the president over his botched martial law declaration Tuesday night.
Lee described the martial law decree as an act of "insurrection" and a "coup orchestrated by loyalists to maintain or consolidate power," accusing Yoon of being "the mastermind behind a clear rebellion."
"A president who has threatened the lives of the people with unconstitutional and illegal acts cannot be entrusted with state affairs for even a moment," Lee said in a special address held at the National Assembly.
Lee called for Yoon's swift removal from office, saying the decision on his tenure should rest with the people.
Yoon was elected in May 2022 to a single, five-year term, defeating Lee by a razor-thin margin.
He urged a swift investigation into the matter, saying crimes of rebellion are exceptions to the presidential privilege of non-prosecution.
"Since this privilege does not apply, the necessary legal procedures, including investigation, arrest, detention, indictment and punishment, should proceed as required," he said. (Yonhap)