The head of South Korea’s ruling party said on Monday that he would resign, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

“I step down as the leader of the People Power Party,” Han Dong-hoon announced. 

“It has become impossible to carry out my duties as party chief due to the collapse of the party’s Supreme Council.”

Directing citizens during a televised press conference, the People Power Party (PPP) leader asked: “Martial law in the advanced nation that is South Korea, in 2024. How angry and disappointed must you have all been?”

He added: “I sincerely apologise to all the people who have suffered due to the emergency martial law incident.”

Mr Han initially called for the president’s “orderly” exit but on Thursday changed his rhetoric and expressed support for Yoon’s impeachment. 

He had signalled he would not stand down but changed his mind under pressure as members of PPP’s Supreme Council expressed intent to quit.