South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, in a dramatic turn of events, issued a public apology on Saturday, mere hours before a high-stakes parliamentary vote that could end his presidency.
Yoonโs controversial โ and shockingly brief โ attempt to declare martial law earlier this week sent shockwaves through the nation, sparking widespread protests and political chaos.
In a televised address, Yoon took responsibility for the turmoil, acknowledging the anxiety he caused.
โI will not evade legal or political accountability,โ he promised, vowing never to impose martial law again. Leaving his fate to his conservative People Power Party (PPP), Yoon said the party would decide โthe course forward, including matters related to my term in office.โ
Now, the country waits anxiously as lawmakers prepare to vote on an impeachment motion that could unseat Yoon. The motion, introduced by opposition parties, needs a two-thirds majority โ 200 out of 300 votes โ to pass. The opposition holds 192 seats, meaning just eight PPP defectors could seal Yoonโs fate. Given the party’s fractured state, that outcome looks increasingly possible.
Watch Live: South Korea parliament protests continue as lawmakers vote on President Yoonโs impeachment https://t.co/bjD2cHhB66
โ The Independent (@Independent) December 7, 2024
Political Fault Lines Erupt
The crisis escalated rapidly. On Friday, Han Dong-hun, the leader of Yoonโs own party, made a stunning call to suspend the presidentโs powers, deeming him “unfit for office” and warning of more drastic measures if Yoon remained in power. โHe could endanger the Republic of Korea and its citizens,โ Han declared.
Yoonโs martial law declaration on Wednesday โ ostensibly to counter an โopposition-controlled parliament bogging down state affairsโ โ led to a swift backlash. Within hours, 18 PPP lawmakers joined a unanimous 190-0 vote to cancel the order. Meanwhile, heavily armed troops surrounded the National Assembly, raising fears of arrests and detentions of key politicians.
Shocking Allegations of a Self-Coup
The fallout deepened as details emerged of Yoonโs alleged plans during the brief martial law. Intelligence reports suggested Yoon had instructed defense officials to arrest political figures under the pretext of โanti-state activities.โ Among the alleged targets were Han himself, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.
South Koreaโs National Intelligence Service confirmed the shocking allegations in a closed-door briefing, adding fuel to the impeachment fire. The Defense Ministry swiftly suspended several top military officials believed to be involved, including the defense counterintelligence commander and leaders of key military units.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The crisis has not only paralyzed South Korean politics but also alarmed international allies. With South Korea known as a bastion of democracy in Asia, key partners like the United States and Japan are watching nervously as the nation teeters on the brink of political upheaval.
As the National Assembly prepares for a historic 5 p.m. vote, tensions are at an all-time high. Lawmakers will first address a special prosecutor bill investigating influence-peddling allegations against Yoonโs wife before turning to the decisive impeachment vote.
Should the motion pass, Yoonโs presidency will be over โ a stunning end to a leader whose impulsive actions have plunged the nation into uncertainty. South Koreans are left wondering: Will this be a moment of democratic resilience or a slide into deeper turmoil?
Los Angeles Times published the original copy of this article.
