South Korea opposition will not seek to impeach acting president over martial law

SEOUL - South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party has decided not to seek the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo over the Dec 3 declaration of martial law, party leader Lee Jae-myung said on Dec 15.

At a briefing, Mr Lee said he had spoken to Mr Han and urged the acting leader to remain “neutral” and avoid taking political sides.

Mr Lee also proposed creating a bipartisan body involving the Parliament and the government to discuss policies and the budget. 

Mr Han was made acting president on Dec 14 after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for his decision to impose martial law.

Mr Yoon was impeached in a second vote by the opposition-led Parliament over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law on Dec 3, a move that had shocked the nation.

Mr Lee’s main opposition Democratic Party previously filed a complaint against Mr Han to be included in the investigations for failing to block Mr Yoon’s attempt at martial law.

Separately, South Korean Prosecutors earlier on Dec 15 sought an arrest warrant for Army Special Warfare Command head Kwak Jong-keun over his role in Mr Yoon’s emergency martial law declaration, Yonhap news agency reported. 

The warrant was filed on charges of insurrection and abuse of power, with Mr Kwak being accused of sending troops to the National Assembly on the night of Dec 3.

He is also accused of colluding with Mr Yoon and former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun to incite a riot aimed at subverting the Constitution, the report said.

Mr Kwak, who has already suspended been from duty, is now under a travel ban in connection with an investigation of Mr Yoon’s martial law declaration. REUTERS, BLOOMBERG