PPP accepts, DP hails Yoon Suk Yeol's removal

The People Power Party on Friday said it would accept President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office after the Constitutional Court ruled to uphold the his impeachment.

Rep. Kwon Young-se, the People Power Party leader, said the party "humbly accepts" the Constitutional Court's decision, adding, "We sincerely apologize to the people."

Kwon said the verdict from the Constitutional Court must be respected regardless of differences in opinions and positions.

"Respecting the Constitutional Court's decision is the path to upholding democracy and the rule of law," the party leader said.

Kwon also cautioned against potential unrest in the aftermath of the ruling.

"Our society is now facing yet another major turning point," he said. "Under no circumstances should there be violence or extreme actions."

Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, the People Power Party's floor leader, called for conservative unity against a possible Democratic Party of Korea leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung victory in the election that will be held in less than two months.

While offering an apology to the public, Kweon said the "future of South Korea cannot fall in the hands of the dangerous forces of Lee Jae-myung."

"We cannot back down and afford to lose," he said.

Democratic Party of Korea leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung hailed the Constitutional Court ruling to remove Yoon as "a victory of the people."

"Yoon, who put our democracy in peril, has been removed. The great people of this country have won," he said.

Lee, who leads the polls among potential candidates for the presidency, said he would turn "this crisis into an opportunity for growth."

"Today will mark a new beginning for South Korea. Together we will rebuild this country to restore democracy and the economy. We will open the path for prosperity from this day on," he said.

According to a Democratic Party insider, Lee will relinquish his role as party leader soon, and set up a presidential campaign office.

Woo Won-shik, speaker of the National Assembly, issued a message expressing hopes for national unity and recovery following the verdict.

"These past few months have been a difficult time for everyone. I hope that South Korea will embark on a path to recovery," he said. "The Constitutional Court's decision today is not a victory for either side. It is a victory for the constitutional order and for democracy."