PPP‘s In Yo-han quits parliament, calls for sacrifice

Dec 11, 2025, 09:08 am

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Rep. In Yo-han of the People Power Party leaves the National Assembly press room in Yeouido, Seoul, on December 10 after announcing his resignation from parliament. / Source: Yonhap News

People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker In Yo-han announced his resignation from the National Assembly on December 10, ending his year-and-a-half legislative career and declaring that he would return to his original profession.

At a press briefing in the National Assembly, In said he hoped to “wrap up the past 18 months of parliamentary work and return to his professional roots,” formally stepping down from his seat.

Highlighting the political turbulence that has followed the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s declaration of martial law, In said Korea must overcome the “unfortunate events of the past year” for the sake of its future. “There is no change without sacrifice,” he said, adding that he intends to relinquish all personal privilege and return to his field to contribute to national unity and development.

In also delivered sharp criticism of the political establishment, saying that politics driven solely by factional logic has burdened the public and hindered national progress. “We must break free from black-and-white thinking and factionalism in order to achieve true national unity,” he emphasized.

He said he hoped to continue the spirit of contribution upheld by his ancestors, who had served Korea for more than 130 years. “Humanitarian practice will remain a core value I must uphold,” he added.

PPP floor leader Song Eon-seok said he had tried to persuade In to stay but ultimately respected his decision. “It is deeply regrettable, but I respect his painful and resolute choice,” Song wrote on Facebook. He criticized what he called the ruling Democratic Party’s “extreme factionalism,” saying it had left minorities in the legislature unprotected and raised fundamental questions about parliamentary functioning.

The Democratic Party also reacted to the resignation. Chief spokesperson Park Soo-hyun expressed appreciation, saying the party “takes seriously” In’s message that national unity is impossible without abandoning black-and-white and factional politics.

In, formerly director of the International Health Care Center at Yonsei University’s Severance Hospital, entered parliament in the 2024 general election as No. 8 on the proportional representation list of the PPP’s satellite party, People’s Future. He previously served as head of the party’s innovation committee after its defeat in the 2023 Gangseo District by-election.

With his resignation, the proportional seat is expected to be succeeded by attorney Lee So-hee, next on the party list.

#In Yo-han #resignation #People Power Party #factional politics