In a historic move, South Korea’s National Assembly has impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. The impeachment motion, passed with a decisive 204-85 vote, suspends Yoon’s presidential powers pending a Constitutional Court review.
Background of the Martial Law Declaration
On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing the need to eliminate “anti-state” forces and protect the constitutional order. This unprecedented action led to heavily armed troops encircling the National Assembly, prompting lawmakers to scale walls to reenter the building and unanimously vote to lift the martial law order.
Impeachment Proceedings and Vote
The martial law declaration sparked widespread protests and political turmoil. Opposition parties swiftly submitted a motion to impeach Yoon, accusing him of insurrectionary acts undermining the constitutional order. The National Assembly’s vote on December 14 resulted in a 204-85 decision in favor of impeachment, with three abstentions and eight invalid votes. Notably, the secret ballot included votes from members of Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP), which had officially opposed the motion.
Transfer of Power and Constitutional Court Review
Following the impeachment vote, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president. The Constitutional Court now has up to 180 days to deliberate on the case and determine whether to uphold or overturn the impeachment. If upheld, Yoon would become the second South Korean president to be removed from office through impeachment, following Park Geun-hye’s ousting in 2017. A confirmed removal would necessitate a national election within 60 days to elect a new president.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The impeachment has been met with mixed reactions across the country. Thousands of protesters in Seoul celebrated the decision as a victory for democracy, while others expressed concerns about the potential for prolonged political instability. Yoon’s presidency has been fraught with scandals, including accusations against his wife and controversial responses to national disasters, resulting in plummeting approval ratings.
International Concerns
The political crisis has raised alarms among South Korea’s allies, including the United States and Japan. The U.S. State Department expressed relief that President Yoon reversed the martial law declaration and emphasized the importance of resolving political disagreements peacefully.
Next Steps
As the Constitutional Court begins its review, the nation faces a period of uncertainty. The court’s decision will have profound implications for South Korea’s political landscape and its democratic institutions. In the interim, acting President Han Duck-soo is tasked with maintaining stability and addressing the challenges arising from this unprecedented situation.
Also learn about South Korean President Yoon Defends Martial Law Decree, Vows to ‘Fight to the End’.
