In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by the National Assembly following his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The impeachment vote, which required a two-thirds majority, passed with 204 lawmakers in favor, 85 against, and three abstentions. The motion accused Yoon of insurrection, citing his actions in staging riots and threatening the National Assembly and the public.
As a result of the impeachment, President Yoon’s powers have been suspended, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming the role of interim president. The Constitutional Court will now review the motion and deliver a ruling within 180 days. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become only the second South Korean president in history to be removed from office, triggering a presidential election within 60 days.
The impeachment follows a period of intense political turmoil in South Korea, as public dissatisfaction with Yoon’s leadership has reached new heights. His approval rating recently hit a record low of just 11%, leading to widespread protests across Seoul calling for his resignation. In response, the government has deployed 1,000 personnel to ensure public safety amid the unrest.
Yoon’s failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3 has been widely condemned by both opposition parties and experts. The president justified his actions by claiming the need to address domestic political support for North Korea, but critics have labeled it an ill-advised move that placed the country at risk. The fallout from the incident has led to the arrest of the former defense minister and investigations into military officials, raising concerns about South Korea’s ability to effectively handle security challenges, particularly with ongoing tensions with North Korea.
Stay tuned for more updates as this political crisis continues to unfold.
