The 'Traitor' at the Heart of South Korea's Impeachment Drama
Han Dong-Hoon’s Role in Overturning Martial Law and Impeaching Yoon Suk-Yeol
On the night of December 3, Han Dong-Hoon was driving home in Seoul, scanning the radio, when he caught a breaking news bulletin: President Yoon Suk-Yeol was about to make an emergency address. As the leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and a close ally of the president, Han was shocked—this was the first he had heard of the drastic move that was about to unfold.
By midnight, Yoon had sent the country into political turmoil, declaring martial law in an unprecedented attempt to suppress so-called "anti-state forces" and North Korea sympathizers. Han immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. "When I first heard the news of martial law, I thought, 'We must stop it, because if it isn't lifted that very night, a bloodbath might occur,'" he later recalled.
As news spread, opposition leaders mobilized, urging citizens to gather in protest at the National Assembly. Thousands responded, clashing with police and blocking military units. Opposition lawmakers scrambled over fences, determined to prevent Yoon's order from taking effect. Han, too, joined the effort, working through the night to have the declaration overturned. His intervention proved successful, leading to the revocation of martial law.
Weeks later, Han played a crucial role in impeaching the very president he had once staunchly supported. This move, seen by many as a betrayal, ultimately led to his resignation as PPP leader.
From Trusted Ally to Political Pariah
For years, Han and Yoon were inseparable allies. Both alumni of Seoul National University, they had worked together as prosecutors, forging a strong bond while investigating corruption cases. Han rose to political prominence when Yoon won the presidency by a narrow margin in May 2022. As Minister of Justice and later PPP leader, Han was regarded as one of the most influential figures in Yoon’s administration.
However, Yoon’s presidency was plagued by controversy and scandal. His party suffered a devastating loss to the opposition Democratic Party in the April 2024 parliamentary elections, a result widely interpreted as a vote of no confidence. With Yoon’s position weakened, Han’s political fate became increasingly uncertain.
Initially, Han resisted calls for impeachment, boycotting the first vote on December 7 alongside most of the PPP. But after reports surfaced that Yoon had allegedly ordered the arrest of key political figures—including Han himself—he changed course. Aligning with opposition lawmakers, Han backed a second impeachment attempt, which ultimately led to Yoon’s removal from office.
"I wanted nothing more than for this government to succeed," Han said, reflecting on the fallout. "I initially sought an orderly early resignation plan for the president—one I earnestly pursued, but which ultimately failed."
Political Fallout and Han’s Future Ambitions
With Yoon suspended and facing an insurrection investigation, Han stepped down as PPP leader in December, acknowledging the deep divisions within his party. Over the following months, he withdrew from the political spotlight to reflect on the tumultuous events.
During this period, he authored a memoir titled The People Come First, chronicling the two weeks following Yoon’s martial law declaration. Released on February 26—just a day after the Constitutional Court concluded its impeachment hearings—the book has become a bestseller, offering an insider’s account of one of the most dramatic episodes in South Korea’s political history.
The publication of The People Come First has fueled speculation about Han’s future ambitions. In South Korean politics, releasing a memoir is often a precursor to a presidential bid. Some believe Han is positioning himself as a potential PPP candidate if Yoon’s impeachment triggers a snap election. The book also touches on his vision for constitutional reform, advocating for a shift from a five-year presidential term to a four-year system.
However, Han faces significant political headwinds. His approval rating for the presidency has plummeted from 22% in early 2024 to just 6%, according to recent polls. Many within the PPP view him as a traitor who failed to protect the party and its president.
Han downplays the idea that his memoir is a political tool. "I have published a book in which I truthfully express what I experienced and thought during these events," he said. "I am not returning with any specific political maneuver, but simply to share that message with you all."
A Contrite but Resolute Stance
Despite the backlash, Han remains steadfast in his belief that overturning martial law and supporting impeachment were the right decisions. "Yoon did impose martial law, and I believe that was a wrong act—one that does not align with the principles of liberal democracy," he stated.
Yet, he also acknowledges the pain and division that followed. "As the leader of the ruling party that put that president in office, I want to express my deepest apologies to the people. I am truly sorry that our actions, and the reactions we displayed, hurt the people. We must overcome and resolve this crisis."
As South Korea grapples with the political fallout of Yoon’s presidency, Han’s fate remains uncertain. Will he find a path back to power, or will his dramatic turn against Yoon define his legacy? Only time will tell.
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