Seoul: Rep. Ihn Yohan of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) announced his resignation on Wednesday, calling for the nation to overcome "unfortunate events" following a failed martial law bid by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ihn, who made history as the first foreigner to pass the country's medical licensing examination and the first special naturalized citizen, secured a proportional seat in the April 10 general elections last year. During a press conference, he expressed his intention to conclude his one and a half years of parliamentary service and return to his medical profession.

Ihn stated, "Starting with myself, I am giving up all my vested interests and returning to my field to contribute to national unity and development." He emphasized the need for South Korea to address the challenges that have emerged since Yoon's unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law.

With Ihn's resignation, Rep. Lee So-hee, next on the proportional representation list, is set to assume the parliamentary seat. Ihn was briefly the head of the PPP's innovation committee in October 2023 under Yoon's leadership but resigned after just 42 days.

Known for his fluency in Korean, particularly the Jeolla region dialect, Ihn, also recognized by his English name John A. Linton, was granted South Korean citizenship as a "foreign special contributor" in 2012.