South Korea's President Yoon Impeached After Martial Law Attempt: Political Crisis Unfolds

South Korea's President Yoon

South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, following a tumultuous political crisis sparked by his attempt to declare martial law earlier this month. The vote, which saw 204 lawmakers in favor and 85 against, suspended Yoon from office until the country’s Constitutional Court makes a final ruling on his fate. This marks the second time in less than a decade that a South Korean president has faced impeachment proceedings, the last being in 2016 with President Park Geun-hye.

The immediate trigger for the impeachment was Yoon’s controversial martial law decree on December 3, which aimed to break a political deadlock in parliament by sending soldiers to block lawmakers from voting. The declaration was met with fierce opposition, and lawmakers physically clashed with soldiers inside the National Assembly. Within days, Yoon lost support from members of his own ruling party, and the leader of his party withdrew his backing, calling impeachment the only way to protect democracy.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Seoul to celebrate the vote, with many chanting slogans demanding Yoon’s resignation. On the other side, Yoon’s supporters rallied in defense of the president, voicing their continued loyalty. Yoon, in a statement after the vote, conceded that he would temporarily stop his work but vowed to continue his efforts for the nation, asserting that he would not give up on his mission.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president, although he is also under investigation for his role in the martial law decision, adding to the political uncertainty. Yoon’s presidency, which began in 2022, has been marked by multiple challenges, including political gridlock, scandals involving his wife and political appointments, and heavy-handed measures against the media. His decision to impose martial law, accusing the opposition of “anti-state” activities, escalated the crisis, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for his removal.

The political turmoil has led to a series of investigations, including treason probes into Yoon and key officials. Special revelations have come to light about Yoon personally ordering the Special Warfare Command to break into the National Assembly, though the commander refused. As South Korea awaits the Constitutional Court's decision, the country faces months of uncertainty and division, reminiscent of the impeachment crisis of 2016. Public protests are likely to continue, with both sides bracing for the next phase in the unfolding political drama.