South Korea’s President Yoon to Face Impeachment Rather Than Resign—Here’s Why

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has reportedly decided to face impeachment proceedings rather than voluntarily resign. This follows the ruling People Power Party’s proposal for him to step down in February or March next year to solve the December 3 state of emergency crisis. He intends to contest his presidency to the end in the Constitutional Court rather than stepping down.

The Chosun Daily reported on Wednesday that an anonymous source close to Yoon stated the president has firmly decided to undergo Constitutional Court proceedings while under impeachment instead of resigning early.

The newspaper reported that the presidential office informed the ruling party of Yoon’s stance on enduring impeachment and actively responding to a Constitutional Court trial rather than resigning. If impeached, he plans to challenge the legality of the state of emergency in court.

On Tuesday, Channel A’s News A reported that its investigation revealed the presidential office’s negative stance on early resignation or stepping down. It quoted internal sources as saying an orderly exit is impossible and that they would follow legal procedures to face impeachment.

They cited an anonymous ruling party official who said, “There’s a growing consensus that impeachment is preferable to resignation. In times of urgency, we shouldn’t resort to shortcuts but should adhere to principles.” The report added that the presidential office appears to be preparing for the possibility of an impeachment motion passing on December 14.

News A analyzed that opting for impeachment over immediate resignation could be a strategy to exploit the uncertainties of the trial process. They noted, “There’s a possibility the impeachment could be dismissed, and this approach could buy an additional five to six months until the next presidential election.”

The presidential office is currently not responding to any media inquiries, including requests to confirm these reports. They have even suspended routine communications with the press, including schedule announcements.