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Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 4, following the Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment. / Source: Yonhap News

On April 4, the People Power Party (PPP) announced that it would accept the Constitutional Court’s decision to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office. The court reached the verdict unanimously, with all justices in agreement.

Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the PPP’s emergency leadership committee, met with reporters that morning and stated, “To the honorable people of our nation—though it is deeply regrettable, the People Power Party solemnly accepts the Constitutional Court’s decision.”

The Constitutional Court ruled that President Yoon had violated his constitutional duty to unify society, thus justifying his removal from office.

The key issues in the impeachment trial included whether the conditions and procedures for declaring martial law were appropriately met; the legality and implications of Proclamation No. 1 issued by the Martial Law Command; the use of military and police forces to obstruct the functioning of the National Assembly; the warrantless raid of the National Election Commission conducted using military personnel; and President Yoon’s orders to arrest political figures and other key individuals.

Kwon added, “Although views may differ, this ruling was made within the framework of our constitutional system. We firmly believe that respecting this decision is the path to upholding democracy and the rule of law.”

He continued, “We see this as part of our society’s progress toward becoming a more mature democracy, and we deeply feel our responsibility for failing to fulfill our role as the ruling party.”

He concluded by saying, “The People Power Party will do everything in its power to restore stability and ensure the acting presidency functions smoothly, in accordance with our constitutional duties.”