South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to fight for his political future following his impeachment in a second parliamentary vote. The opposition-led parliament accused him of overstepping his authority after his controversial attempt to impose martial law, a move that shocked the nation.
What Happens Next?
The Constitutional Court will decide within the next six months whether to formally remove Yoon from office. If upheld, South Korea will hold a snap election.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, appointed by Yoon, has assumed the role of acting president. Han assured the public of his commitment to ensuring governmental stability, stating, “I will give all my strength and efforts to stabilize the government.”
A Polarizing Leader
Yoon is the second conservative South Korean president to face impeachment in recent years, following Park Geun-hye in 2017. Known as a tough political survivor, Yoon’s presidency has been marred by personal scandals, divisions within his own party, and relentless opposition.
The impeachment vote saw bipartisan support, with 204 lawmakers in favor, surpassing the two-thirds threshold required in the 300-member National Assembly. At least 12 members of Yoon’s own People Power Party joined opposition parties to support the motion.
Martial Law Controversy
Yoon’s impeachment stems from his December 3 declaration of martial law, granting the military sweeping emergency powers to counter “anti-state forces” and overcome what he called obstructionist political opponents. Parliament quickly voted against the decree, prompting Yoon to rescind it just six hours later.
Although Yoon apologized for the declaration, critics accused him of undermining democracy and called for his resignation. The incident sparked massive protests and a criminal investigation into alleged insurrection, leading to a travel ban for the embattled president.
Public Reaction
Protests erupted nationwide, with supporters of impeachment celebrating outside parliament, waving LED sticks and cheering despite freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, Yoon’s loyalists quickly dispersed following the news.
Opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung hailed the impeachment as a historic moment, telling jubilant protesters, “You, the people, made it. You are writing a new history.”
Yoon Remains Defiant
In a Thursday speech, Yoon defended his martial law decree, arguing that it was necessary to protect democracy from obstructionist politicians.
“I will never give up. Although I am stopping for now, the journey I have walked with the people toward the future must never come to a halt,” he declared.
As South Korea waits for the Constitutional Court’s ruling, the impeachment underscores the deep political divide in the country and the growing demand for accountability among its leaders.