South Korean President Yoon impeached over martial law controversy
South Korean lawmakers impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday following his failed attempt to impose martial law, with the opposition celebrating what they called a “victory for the people.”
The impeachment vote came as large-scale protests took place in Seoul, with rival rallies both supporting and opposing the president. Yoon’s bid to declare martial law on December 3 was thwarted, leading to the parliamentary action.
Of the 300 lawmakers, 204 voted in favor of impeachment, citing charges of insurrection, while 85 opposed the motion. Three lawmakers abstained, and eight votes were invalidated.
As a result, Yoon has been temporarily suspended from his duties while the Constitutional Court examines the matter. The court has six months to make a final ruling on whether Yoon will be removed from office.
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Should the court uphold the impeachment, Yoon would become only the second South Korean president to be successfully impeached.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, now serving as interim president, said he would focus his efforts on ensuring stability during this period. “I will devote all my strength and efforts to ensure stable governance,” he told reporters.
The impeachment passed with the support of 200 votes, requiring at least eight members of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to back the motion.
Following the vote, opposition Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae declared, “Today’s impeachment is the great victory of the people.”
A police official in Seoul estimated that at least 200,000 people had gathered outside parliament in support of Yoon’s removal. Among the demonstrators, 52-year-old Choi Jung-ha expressed her joy, saying, “Isn’t it amazing that we, the people, have pulled this off together? I am 100 percent certain the Constitutional Court will side with the impeachment.”
In contrast, around 30,000 people gathered in another part of Seoul near Gwanghwamun square to rally in favor of Yoon. “Yoon had no choice but to declare martial law. I approve of every decision he has made as president,” said Choi Hee-sun, a 62-year-old supporter.
Before the vote, the Democratic Party had argued that impeachment was the only option to “protect the Constitution, the rule of law, democracy, and South Korea’s future.” “We can no longer endure Yoon’s madness,” said party spokeswoman Hwang Jung-a.
At the impeachment rally, volunteers provided free hand warmers, coffee, and food to help attendees brave the frigid temperatures. K-pop star Yuri from Girls’ Generation also supported the cause, paying for food for fans attending the protest. “Stay safe and take care of your health!” she posted to her followers.
One protester, 58-year-old Kim Deuk-yun, explained his decision to attend the rally: “We had planned to hike today, but I came here instead to support my fellow citizens.”
While the Constitutional Court has the authority to block the impeachment, it previously reversed the removal of former president Roh Moo-hyun in 2004, who had been impeached for alleged election law violations. The current court consists of only six judges, meaning any decision must be unanimous.
Parliament speaker Woo Won-shik stated that efforts would be made to nominate three more judges to the court to ensure its full capacity.
“The future of South Korea lies within its people,” Woo remarked.
Meanwhile, Yoon remained defiant following the impeachment vote, refusing to apologize as the fallout from his controversial martial law declaration grew. According to a recent Gallup Korea poll, his approval rating has plummeted to 11 percent, with 75 percent of respondents supporting his impeachment.
