South Korea's President temporarily steps down from diplomatic duties

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol will withdraw from active government work, including the country's international diplomacy. This was announced by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Sunday, as Yoon's cabinet works on an orderly transition of office. President Yoon survived an impeachment attempt on Saturday evening, after members of his conservative party, the People Power Party (PPP), boycotted the vote under chaotic conditions in the national parliament. This decision was met with incomprehension by the hundreds of thousands of demonstrators outside the parliament and threatens to further exacerbate the political crisis. Opposition parties plan to resubmit the impeachment motion weekly until Yoon resigns or is removed from office. The president's attempt to impose a military government has caused ongoing controversy. At a joint press event, Prime Minister Han clarified that Yoon would not undertake any state duties, including diplomacy, until his resignation. It is of utmost importance to ensure support for the budget and related laws to maintain the normal operation of the country. Analysts suspect that the PPP wants to use this move to buy time to prepare for the presidential election following Yoon’s departure and to prevent a split within the party. However, many experts see the agreement between Yoon and the party as inadequate to appease public dissatisfaction. On Sunday, it became known that former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a school friend of the president, was arrested. Kim is alleged to have played a central role in the failed attempt to declare a state of emergency. President Yoon, who became known in the US for his rendition of "American Pie," has intensified relations with Japan and pursued a tougher line against North Korea and China than his left-leaning predecessor Moon Jae-in. Western diplomats speculate that a left-leaning successor might limit cooperation with the US and Japan and seek a more conciliatory policy towards North Korea, China, and Russia, as well as exclude arms deliveries to Ukraine.