**Title: The Division and Reconciliation of the People Power Party Governors’ Association on Impeachment**
The People Power Party Governors’ Association, representing local government leaders, initially found themselves divided over the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is accused of being involved in an “insurrection.” However, the association recently united again in their stance, possibly due to the Constitutional Court’s accelerated handling of the impeachment.
In a recent statement, the association criticized the High-Ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Agency (CIO) for what they perceive as an illegitimate investigation into insurrection without jurisdiction. They demanded that the arrest warrant for President Yoon be immediately stopped, arguing that the CIO lacks authority to investigate such charges.
The association also pointed out that the Democratic Party’s removal of the insurrection charge from the impeachment reasons constitutes a substantial change that requires a reevaluation by the National Assembly.
Moreover, they emphasized that despite the temporary suspension of President Yoon’s duties due to impeachment proceedings, his status as head of state remains unchanged, underlining the necessity for a fair trial.
Criticism was also directed at the Democratic Party for allegedly causing national chaos in pursuit of power, urging them to stop their illegal actions which they claim are paralyzing state affairs.
Observers suggest that the recent unity among previously divided party leaders, like the mayors of Seoul and Incheon, signals concern over the Constitutional Court’s speedy impeachment process, which may hasten the timing for the next presidential election.
Formerly, the association had opposed impeachment unanimously, but changes in stances among key figures like the mayors of Seoul and Incheon led to a temporary halt in unified declarations. However, recent developments in the impeachment proceedings, particularly the exclusion of insurrection charges from the Constitutional Court hearings, brought them back together.
Legal experts and the Democratic Party argue that focusing on constitutional rather than criminal charges is valid due to the nature of the proceedings being a constitutional review, not a criminal trial. The Democratic Party also recalls similar handling of impeachment charges in past cases.
Attention remains on how these procedural and political developments will influence the future political landscape in Korea.