SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil as opposition lawmakers announced plans to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law. The announcement came on Thursday, just hours after Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a key figure in the crisis, resigned from his position.
President Yoon’s martial law declaration on Tuesday night, which sought to ban political activities and censor media, provoked widespread public outrage and raised alarm among South Korea’s international allies, including the United States. Lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Party have since mobilized to impeach Yoon, accusing him of overstepping his authority and inciting fear among the population.
Impeachment plans move forward
Democratic Party lawmakers confirmed that a vote on Yoon’s impeachment is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. (1000 GMT). Speaking at the National Assembly, lawmaker Kim Seung-won decried Yoon’s actions, stating, “The Yoon Suk Yeol regime’s declaration of emergency martial law caused great confusion and fear among our people.”
To pass the impeachment motion, the opposition needs support from at least eight members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP). The PPP, however, remains divided on the issue. While many party members oppose the motion, the crisis has deepened internal rifts within the party.
Defence minister resigns amid criticism
In an effort to defuse tensions, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday. Kim had reportedly advised the president to declare martial law and ordered the deployment of troops to parliament. His actions drew significant criticism, with Vice-Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho acknowledging during a parliamentary hearing that he had been unaware of the martial law order until it was declared.
Kim Seon-ho apologised, saying, “I have fundamentally opposed the mobilisation of military forces under martial law and take responsibility for failing to prevent it.”
Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has been nominated as the new defence minister.
International reactions and concerns
The crisis has drawn international attention, with neighbouring Japan expressing concerns about its potential impact on regional security. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba remarked on the instability in Seoul, saying, “South Korea’s domestic situation and North Korea’s military assertiveness could fundamentally alter our security landscape.”
The United States, South Korea’s key ally, has also voiced unease. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington had not been informed of Yoon’s plans in advance. Meanwhile, General Paul LaCamera, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, advised American troops stationed in South Korea to exercise caution amid the unrest.
A night of chaos
The events leading to the impeachment motion unfolded dramatically. Following Yoon’s declaration of martial law, armed troops attempted to enter the National Assembly building, only to be repelled by parliamentary aides using fire extinguishers. The commander of the martial law troops later clarified that no live ammunition had been issued, and there was no intent to use force against civilians.
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won praised the resistance, saying, “The people and the aides who protected parliament stood up for democracy. It is now our duty to protect the people and restore calm.”
More Read
Economic impact and political uncertainty
The crisis has rattled South Korea’s economy, with the benchmark KOSPI index experiencing volatility. Currency traders reported suspected government intervention to stabilize the won, while Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assured global financial institutions that measures were being taken to mitigate economic fallout.
Should the impeachment motion pass, South Korea’s Constitutional Court will determine its validity—a process that could take up to 180 days. In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume leadership. If Yoon is removed from office, a new presidential election would be held within 60 days.
Yoon’s political struggles
President Yoon’s tenure has been marked by controversy since his narrow election victory in 2022. His administration has faced allegations of corruption, criticism for his hard-line stance on labour unions, and accusations of undermining democratic principles. Yoon’s approval ratings have lingered around 20% for months, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.
As South Korea braces for the weekend’s parliamentary vote, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political stability and its role on the global stage. Whether Yoon survives this impeachment bid or steps down, his presidency will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in South Korean history.
