South Korea’s President Impeached After Martial Law Attempt #

South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, suspending him from exercising his powers until the country’s Constitutional Court makes a final decision. This marks the second time in less than a decade that a South Korean leader has faced impeachment proceedings in office.

The impeachment follows Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on December 3, during which he sent soldiers to parliament. Lawmakers fought past troops to enter the building and vote down the decree. This action backfired, galvanizing many in the democracy to call for his removal.

Initially, Yoon survived an impeachment attempt when members of his ruling People Power Party boycotted the vote, hoping he would voluntarily resign. However, Yoon gave a defiant speech defending his martial law decision and vowing to “fight until the last moment with the people.”

The leader of Yoon’s party then withdrew support and backed impeachment as the “only way… to defend democracy.” The impeachment vote passed with 204 lawmakers in favor and 85 against.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Seoul, calling for Yoon’s resignation. Simultaneously, thousands of the president’s supporters rallied, waving flags and holding signs in support.

If the Constitutional Court confirms the impeachment, Yoon will become the second South Korean president to be removed from office through this process. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president in the interim.

Yoon, a former prosecutor and conservative firebrand, has faced low approval ratings and political scandals during his two years in office. He has struggled with an opposition-majority parliament, which has blocked his legislative efforts.

In his martial law declaration, Yoon accused the opposition of “anti-state” activities and collaboration with North Korea, without providing evidence. This move shocked the country, which still bears scars from decades of military dictatorship before transitioning to democracy in the 1980s.

The martial law attempt led to dramatic scenes of security forces breaking into the National Assembly and protesters confronting riot police. Since then, multiple investigations have been launched into Yoon’s actions.

South Korea now faces months of political uncertainty as it awaits the Constitutional Court’s decision, which can take up to six months.