South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol today announced he would ‘step aside’ following a parliamentary vote to impeach him, urging an end to divisive and confrontational politics.
In its Saturday’s report, it was stated that in a televised address, Yoon acknowledged the decision, signaling his temporary withdrawal from the political stage.
“Though I must now step aside for a while, the journey toward the future must never come to a stop,” he said.
The National Assembly’s impeachment vote saw 204 out of 300 lawmakers supporting Yoon’s removal, with 85 opposing, three abstaining, and eight votes nullified. The president faces allegations of insurrection.
Yoon’s suspension is now in effect as South Korea’s Constitutional Court deliberates on whether to uphold the impeachment, according to AFP.
The opposition Democratic Party celebrated the impeachment as a triumph of the people’s will.
“Today’s impeachment is a great victory for the people,” said Park Chan-dae, the party’s floor leader, shortly after the vote.
