South Korea Impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol for Martial Law Declaration

South Korean Parliament Impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday. The impeachment stemmed from Yoon’s failed attempt to impose martial law, which created political turmoil in the East Asian democracy and disrupted its role as a key U.S. ally.

The vote saw 204 lawmakers in favor, 85 against, three abstentions, and eight invalid votes. The impeachment required a two-thirds majority, achieved with support from members of Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP).

Martial Law Declaration Ruled Unconstitutional
The motion declared Yoon’s imposition of martial law unconstitutional and illegal. It cited the absence of a national emergency and procedural lapses, including the failure to notify the National Assembly beforehand.

Supporters of the impeachment, including some PPP lawmakers, condemned Yoon’s actions. Park Chan-dae, a floor leader for the Democratic Party, called the vote a victory for democracy and pledged to investigate all individuals involved in the martial law declaration.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Assumes Acting Presidency
Following the impeachment, President Yoon was suspended from state duties. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president, vowing to ensure stable governance. Han himself may face impeachment for his alleged involvement in Yoon’s martial law declaration.

Yoon, now confined to the presidential residence, awaits a Constitutional Court ruling, which has up to six months to determine whether the impeachment is upheld.

Public Outcry Over Martial Law Fuels Political Crisis
Yoon’s martial law order, though rescinded hours after lawmakers rejected it, banned political activity and censored media. The short-lived decree intensified calls for his resignation and raised concerns about South Korea’s democratic stability.

Protests erupted across Seoul, with citizens braving cold weather to demand accountability. For many, the martial law declaration revived memories of South Korea’s decades under military rule, further eroding trust in Yoon’s leadership.

Yoon Faces Record Low Approval and Potential Rebellion Charges
President Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to 11%, as per a Gallup Korea poll, marking the lowest of his term. The martial law debacle compounded his struggles in an opposition-controlled parliament, where he has faced persistent challenges advancing his policies.

Authorities are investigating Yoon for potential rebellion charges. Security forces blocked an attempted police raid on his office earlier this week, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding his presidency.

Protests and Political Unrest Mark a Turning Point for South Korea
The impeachment has sparked nationwide debates about political accountability and democratic resilience. Protesters and lawmakers alike are urging reforms to prevent a recurrence of such constitutional crises.

South Korea’s political landscape is now at a crossroads, as the Constitutional Court’s decision will shape the nation’s future governance and international standing.