South Korea’s National Assembly is poised to vote on a highly anticipated impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday. This comes just two days after Yoon defended his controversial martial law decree and vowed to resist mounting calls for his ouster. The impeachment vote will be the second time the assembly has considered removing Yoon from office, following his brief imposition of martial law on December 3.
The previous vote on Yoon’s impeachment took place last Saturday, when the president narrowly avoided removal after most lawmakers from his ruling party, the People Power Party (PPP), boycotted the proceedings. It remains uncertain whether the same strategy will be employed this time. Public protests against Yoon have escalated, and his approval ratings have significantly dropped in recent weeks.
The six opposition parties, which control 192 out of the 300 seats in South Korea’s unicameral parliament, have the numbers to push the impeachment motion. However, they still fall short of the required two-thirds majority, needing 200 votes to succeed. As protests in the capital, Seoul, continue to grow, tens of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets, demanding Yoon’s removal from office and calling for his arrest.
In contrast, smaller groups of Yoon’s conservative supporters, numbering in the thousands, have gathered in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Boulevard, arguing that the opposition’s impeachment bid is unconstitutional and based on false propaganda.
The martial law controversy
Yoon’s decision to impose martial law, the first of its kind in South Korea in over four decades, has caused significant political upheaval. The decree lasted only six hours but created turmoil across the nation, halting diplomatic activities and shaking financial markets. Yoon was forced to rescind the order after a unanimous vote by the National Assembly rejected it.
Yoon’s deployment of hundreds of troops and police officers to Parliament to prevent a vote on his martial law decree raised alarm. While no violence ensued, the incident is being heavily scrutinised, with opposition parties and experts accusing Yoon of rebellion. The accusation stems from a South Korean law that deems it an act of rebellion for a government official to stage a riot against state authorities in an effort to undermine the constitution.
Under South Korean law, the president is only allowed to declare martial law during wartime or other national emergencies. Critics argue that Yoon exceeded his constitutional powers by attempting to suspend Parliament’s operations. Law enforcement is currently investigating whether Yoon and others involved in the martial law decree committed crimes, including rebellion and abuse of power.
Impeachment motion alleges rebellion
The impeachment motion, led by opposition parties, accuses Yoon of staging a series of riots that destabilised the nation and undermined the peace of the Republic of Korea. The motion claims that his use of military and police forces threatened the National Assembly and the public and that his martial law decree was aimed at disturbing the Constitution.
In a fiery speech on Thursday, Yoon defended his actions, describing the martial law order as a necessary act of governance. He denied accusations of rebellion, claiming the deployment of troops to Parliament was intended to maintain order, not to dissolve or paralyse the legislative body. Yoon further stated that his aim was to issue a warning to the opposition Democratic Party, which he labelled a “monster” and an “anti-state force” for allegedly undermining the government and supporting North Korea.
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Potential consequences of impeachment
If the impeachment motion passes, Yoon’s presidential powers would be suspended pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court, which will determine whether to permanently remove him from office or restore his powers. If he is removed, a national election must be held within 60 days to elect his successor.
Several top government officials have already been detained or arrested for their roles in the martial law imposition. These include Yoon’s defence minister, police chief, and the head of Seoul’s metropolitan police. Ex-Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun, considered a key figure in the decision to declare martial law, is also under investigation. Kim resigned on December 5 and was reportedly hospitalised after attempting suicide while in detention, though his condition is now stable.
Despite his presidential immunity, Yoon could face investigations or even criminal charges related to the martial law incident, particularly for allegations of rebellion or treason. However, many observers believe that Yoon is unlikely to be forcibly detained due to the potential for conflict with his presidential security services.
A divided nation
As South Korea approaches the crucial vote, the nation remains deeply divided. Supporters of Yoon argue that he is acting in the country’s best interests and facing unjust opposition, while his critics contend that his actions threaten the democratic foundations of the Republic of Korea. The outcome of the impeachment vote will not only decide Yoon’s political future but could also shape the future of South Korea’s democratic processes and political stability.
