THE leader of South Korea’s opposition today offered to work with the government to defuse the country’s political crisis.

On Saturday the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach the country’s right-wing President Yoon Suk Yeol over his attempt to impose martial law.

Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae Myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on President Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy co-operation between the government and parliament.

Mr Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. 

If Mr Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days.

Mr Lee, who has led a fierce political offensive against Mr Yoon’s embattled government, is seen as the frontrunner to replace him.

He lost the 2022 presidential election to Mr Yoon by a razor-thin margin.

He told a televised news conference that a swift court ruling would be the only way to “minimise national confusion and the suffering of people.”

The court will meet to discuss the case on Monday, and has up to 180 days to rule. 

Mr Lee also said: “The Democratic Party will actively co-operate with all parties to stabilise state affairs and restore international trust.

“The National Assembly and government will work together to quickly resolve the crisis that has swept across the Republic of Korea.”

Mr Yoon’s defence minister and police chief and two other high-level figures have already been arrested.

The president has also been banned from leaving the country.

South Korean media reported that prosecutors asked Mr Yoon to appear at a prosecution office for questioning today, but he refused to do so.