South Korea’s parliament introduced a motion on Thursday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial attempt to impose martial law, sparking political turmoil in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, accused Yoon of creating “great confusion and fear” among citizens with his declaration of martial law on Tuesday, which attempted to ban political activity and censor the media.
“The people won, and now it is time for us to protect them,” said Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won during the session. “President Yoon has committed an indelible, historic crime against the people.”
The motion sets the stage for a vote within 72 hours. To pass, it requires a two-thirds majority, which would necessitate support from at least eight members of Yoon’s divided ruling People Power Party. If passed and upheld by the Constitutional Court, Yoon would become the second South Korean president impeached after Park Geun-hye in 2017.
The martial law declaration, justified by Yoon as a defense against unspecified “pro-North Korean anti-state forces,” was rescinded six hours later following parliamentary backlash. Demonstrators held candlelight vigils in Seoul on Wednesday, demanding Yoon’s resignation.
Yoon’s attempt to justify the declaration within the constitutional framework has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers. His popularity has hovered around 20%, weighed down by accusations of authoritarian behavior, low public trust, and his hardline stance on unions.
Should Yoon be suspended, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would serve as interim leader. If the impeachment is upheld, South Korea will hold a presidential election within 60 days, plunging the country into further political uncertainty.
