South Korea opposition leader ‘disappointed’ by Yoon’s address, presses him to step down

SEOUL – South Korea’s main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said on Dec 7 that he was disappointed by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s pledge to

hand over his power to the ruling People Power Party

in the aftermath of his surprise declaration of martial law earlier this week, in response to Mr Yoon’s televised address to the nation at 10am local time.

“I was extremely disappointed,” said Mr Lee, who leads the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, adding that Mr Yoon’s address “did not meet the expectation of the ordinary people at all and was rather feeding ordinary people’s anger”.

He also said the existence of the incumbent, Mr Yoon, poses the biggest threat to the country, pressing a need for him to step down immediately.

“There is no other option left than Mr Yoon’s immediate resignation from post or impeachment that would force Mr Yoon to step down,” Mr Lee said.

Mr Yoon’s term is scheduled to end in May 2027, but he might be forced to end his five-year term prematurely if he gets impeached.

The impeachment motion is to be put to a vote later on Dec 7 at 5pm (4pm Singapore time), according to the main opposition party. THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK