Rabat – South Korean parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial attempt to declare martial law. The impeachment motion passed with significant support, marking the second time the opposition-led parliament has voted to remove him from office.
Supported by 204 lawmakers out of 300, the motion came after Yoon’s short-lived martial law declaration on December 3, which shocked the country. Yoon claimed the move was necessary to address “anti-state forces” and political opposition, but he reversed the decision just six hours later after widespread backlash.
The move led to accusations that Yoon had violated the constitution, triggering public protests and calls for his resignation. The impeachment now moves to South Korea’s Constitutional Court, which has six months to decide whether to formally remove Yoon from office.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, appointed by Yoon, has assumed the role of acting president. Han promised to maintain stability during this uncertain period.
If the court upholds the impeachment, a snap presidential election will be called. This would make Yoon the second South Korean leader to be removed from office through impeachment, following Park Geun-hye’s removal in 2017.
The impeachment sparked contrasting reactions across South Korea. Supporters of the impeachment celebrated near parliament, waving lights and chanting, while a nearby rally of Yoon’s supporters dispersed quickly after the news.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, called on citizens to continue their efforts to ensure Yoon is removed.
At least 12 members of Yoon’s own People Power Party supported the impeachment.
Despite the suspension of his presidential powers, Yoon remains defiant. In a speech following the vote, he vowed not to give up on his political career.
