SEOUL: Senior aides to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently facing impeachment, tendered their resignations en masse on Wednesday, adding another layer of complexity to the nation’s political crisis. This move follows criticism of Acting President Choi Sang-mok’s decision to approve two new Constitutional Court judges tasked with deliberating Yoon’s impeachment case.
High-Level Resignations
Yoon’s chief of staff, policy chief, national security adviser, and special adviser on foreign affairs and security, along with other senior secretaries, collectively offered their resignations. A statement from Yoon’s office confirmed the development but provided no further details.
Despite their offers to resign, Acting President Choi declined to accept them, emphasizing the need to focus on stabilizing state affairs and addressing economic challenges. “Our priority must be the nation’s economy and governance, not internal disputes,” his office said.
Context of the Resignations
The aides’ actions come in the wake of President Yoon’s impeachment, which stems from allegations of insurrection and a controversial attempt to declare martial law on December 3. Since his suspension from office on December 14, Yoon has been under investigation, and a Seoul district court recently approved his arrest—the first such instance for a sitting South Korean president.
The impeachment trial is being overseen by the nine-member Constitutional Court, where at least six justices must agree to uphold the impeachment. Acting President Choi’s decision to appoint two new justices to fill court vacancies sparked criticism from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, which labeled the move “dogmatic” and insufficiently deliberated.
Political and Administrative Implications
While the senior aides have repeatedly expressed their intent to resign since Yoon’s suspension, their offers have so far been declined. According to a presidential official, the aides continue to assist Acting President Choi on an as-needed basis but are not actively involved in daily government operations.
Their latest resignation attempt underscores the growing divisions within the administration. Political analysts suggest the move could be a symbolic effort to distance themselves from the scandal-ridden presidency, while others view it as a calculated response to mounting public pressure.
Broader Crisis
The resignation offers and judicial appointments occur amid heightened political tensions. Acting President Choi, who assumed his role after the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has been navigating a fraught political landscape. The government faces the dual challenge of managing Yoon’s impeachment trial and addressing economic instability.
Yoon’s impeachment trial is likely to dominate South Korea’s political discourse in the coming months, with far-reaching consequences for the nation’s governance and international reputation.
As the Constitutional Court prepares to deliberate Yoon’s fate, South Korea remains on edge, awaiting the resolution of one of the most significant political crises in its recent history.
