On the evening of Dec. 7, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik summoned Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) floor leader Park Chan-dae and People’s Power Party (PPP) floor leader Choo Kyung-ho for clarification after accusations that Choo was holding a meeting during the plenary session to prevent individual lawmakers from participating in the vote.
However, the PPP announced it would not participate. In response, Woo said, “This is a matter of great public interest. It makes no sense not to hold the vote.” He urged PPP lawmakers to vote according to their conscience, adding, “If the vote results in rejection, so be it.”
The impeachment motion was reported to the National Assembly at 12:48 a.m. on Dec. 5, and it must be voted on within 72 hours or it will be discarded. Earlier, Woo decided to extend the vote until 12:48 a.m. on Dec. 8, awaiting the return of ruling party lawmakers to participate.
