South Korean President Faces Impeachment After Controversial Martial Law Declaration
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing an impeachment motion from opposition lawmakers following his controversial declaration of martial law. The move, which has been widely condemned, sparked political unrest and significant public backlash.
On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and alleged North Korean influence. This unprecedented decision saw military forces entering the National Assembly, leading to clashes with lawmakers and civilians. Within six hours, the National Assembly convened an emergency session and unanimously voted 190-0 to overturn the martial law order, forcing President Yoon to rescind it.
In the wake of these events, six opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party, filed an impeachment motion on December 4. For the motion to pass, it requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat National Assembly, necessitating support from at least eight members of the ruling People Power Party. If successful, President Yoon would be suspended from office pending a review by the Constitutional Court, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo serving as interim leader.
The fallout has also led to the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who had advised the president on imposing martial law and directed troops to the parliament. President Yoon accepted Kim’s resignation and appointed Choi Byung-hyuk as the new defense minister.
Public outrage over the martial law declaration has fueled mass protests, with thousands taking to the streets to denounce the president’s actions. Critics have likened the incident to South Korea’s past authoritarian regimes, raising concerns about the stability of the country’s democracy. Financial markets have also reacted negatively, reflecting uncertainty about the political climate.
The impeachment proceedings mark a pivotal moment in South Korea’s democratic history, evoking memories of President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2016. As events unfold, the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions will be put to the test.
SEO Keywords: South Korea impeachment, President Yoon Suk Yeol, martial law controversy, National Assembly protests, Defense Minister resignation, political unrest, Constitutional Court review, democratic institutions, South Korea protests, People Power Party.
