South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment after declaring martial law, sparking a major political crisis.
At a Glance
- Opposition parties have submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol
- Impeachment requires two-thirds support in parliament and approval from Constitutional Court
- Martial law was declared but lifted after six hours following unanimous parliamentary rejection
- Critics argue Yoon violated the constitution, calling it a “grave act of rebellion”
- Protests have erupted in Seoul, with citizens demanding Yoon’s arrest
Unprecedented Political Turmoil
South Korea’s political landscape has been thrown into chaos as opposition parties move to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law. This drastic action has exposed deep rifts in the nation’s governance and raised serious questions about the stability of its democratic institutions.
The impeachment motion, submitted by the main liberal opposition Democratic Party and five smaller opposition parties, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle between Yoon’s administration and his political opponents. To succeed, the motion requires two-thirds support in parliament and endorsement from six of the nine Constitutional Court justices – a high bar that reflects the gravity of the situation.
BREAKING: South Korean opposition parties submit motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over short-lived martial law. https://t.co/W5VWNd39bp
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 4, 2024
Martial Law: A Bridge Too Far
At the heart of this political firestorm is Yoon’s declaration of martial law, ostensibly to eliminate “anti-state” forces. This move, reminiscent of South Korea’s authoritarian past, was swiftly met with fierce opposition. In a rare display of unity, the National Assembly voted 190-0 to reject the martial law declaration, forcing its lifting after just six hours.
Critics, including legal experts, argue that Yoon’s actions were a clear violation of the constitution. The deployment of troops in full battle gear to the National Assembly and the restriction of parliamentary functions under martial law have been described as a “grave act of rebellion” against democratic norms.
Public Outrage and Political Fallout
The backlash against Yoon’s martial law declaration has been swift and severe. Protests have erupted in Seoul, with citizens demanding the president’s arrest. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has threatened an indefinite strike, further intensifying the pressure on Yoon’s embattled administration.
The political fallout has been equally dramatic. Yoon’s senior policy advisers and Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun have offered their resignations. The opposition has also submitted a separate motion to impeach Kim, who allegedly recommended the martial law declaration. These developments underscore the depth of the crisis engulfing Yoon’s government.
A Precarious Path Forward
While the opposition currently holds 192 seats in the National Assembly, short of the 200 needed for impeachment, the political momentum appears to be shifting against Yoon. His approval ratings have plummeted to a mere 17%, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with his leadership.
If impeached, Yoon would be stripped of his powers until the Constitutional Court reaches a decision. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume presidential duties in the interim. Should Yoon resign or be successfully impeached, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days, potentially reshaping South Korea’s political landscape.
