South Korea's opposition says it won't seek acting president Han's impeachment

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - South Korea's main opposition party on Sunday announced it would not seek the impeachment of Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo over suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung told reporters he had spoken with Han and urged him to remain “neutral” and avoid taking political sides, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Prime Minister Han assumed office as acting president immediately after Yoon was suspended from his duties following his impeachment by the parliament on Saturday, although the parliamentary vote still needs to be ratified by the country's Constitutional Court.

Lee said there is no need to introduce "further" political uncertainty in the country.

“The Democratic Party will actively cooperate with all parties to stabilize state affairs and restore international trust,” he was quoted as saying.

“The National Assembly and government will work together to quickly resolve the crisis that has swept across the Republic of Korea,” he maintained.

The opposition leader also urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on a bid to remove Yoon from office.

Yoon’s powers will be suspended until the court rules on the case, either upholding or overturning his impeachment. The court has up to 180 days to decide, and if he is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor shall be held within 60 days.

- Arrest warrants sought

In a related development, prosecutors on Sunday sought an arrest warrant for the head of South Korea's Army Special Warfare Command over his role in the Dec. 3 martial law, according to the Yonhap news agency.

The arrest warrant for Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun was filed on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

TKwak is accused of sending troops to the National Assembly on the night of Dec. 3, and allegedly colluding with Yoon and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to "incite a riot with the purpose of subverting the constitution."

Already suspended from his duties, Leak has been placed under a travel ban in connection with an investigation of Yoon's martial law declaration.

- Acting president speaks to Biden

Han, in a telephone call to US President Joe Biden on Sunday, vowed to maintain and develop the two countries' alliance.

During the 16-minute conversation, Han said his government will carry out its diplomatic and security policies without "disruption", and work to ensure that the South Korea-US alliance continues to be maintained and developed.

Han stressed the importance of solidifying the combined South Korea-US defense posture in the face of common challenges, such as the nuclear threat posed by North Korea and the deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Biden, for his part, voiced confidence in South Korea's democracy, according to Han's office.

"The ironclad South Korea-U.S. alliance remains unchanged and he will continue to work together with the South Korean side for the development and strengthening of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and South Korea-US-Japan cooperation," Biden was quoted as saying.