Just one day after declaring martial law, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is grappling with the prospect of impeachment, throwing a critical U.S. ally into political chaos.
South Koreaโs National Assembly is poised to vote on a motion to remove Yoon by the weekend, opposition lawmakers revealed.
To pass, the motion requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat assembly, meaning a small number of lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party would need to defect. With opposition parties controlling at least 191 seats, the stage is set for a high-stakes political showdown.
Martial Law Declaration Sparks Crisis
Yoonโs sudden imposition of martial law on Tuesday night shocked both South Koreaโs political establishment and its allies abroad. The move, which marked the first such action in more than four decades, was swiftly reversed within six hours after a resounding 190-0 parliamentary vote against itโincluding dissent from nearly 20 members of Yoonโs own party.
During the brief period of martial law, armed soldiers stormed the National Assembly building, shattering windows and taking control of key government functions. The government assumed sweeping powers, overseeing military operations, political activities, and even medical staffing.
Yoon defended his controversial decision, citing a constitutional crisis caused by budget disputes and investigations targeting top prosecutors. He framed his political opponents as “antistate forces” and warned of threats from North Korean โcommunist forces.โ
Political Fallout and Public Backlash
The backlash was immediate and far-reaching. South Korea canceled a state visit by Swedenโs prime minister, suspended bilateral nuclear talks with the U.S., and postponed a joint military exercise. Several senior officials, including the defense minister and chief of staff, resigned in protest.
Public outrage also erupted. South Koreaโs largest labor union, representing over a million workers, announced an indefinite strike demanding Yoonโs resignation. Cities across the country planned candlelight rallies reminiscent of past pro-democracy movements.
For many, the martial law declaration evoked painful memories of South Koreaโs authoritarian past. Sung Gi-bong, a 58-year-old former activist, visited Gwanghwamun Plaza to protest. โItโs frustrating that the world changes so slowly,โ he said. โBut I believe it will, thanks to the many who fight for it.โ
The Path to Impeachment
If the impeachment motion passes the National Assembly, Yoonโs presidential powers would be immediately suspended, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo temporarily taking charge. However, the process doesnโt end there. South Koreaโs constitutional court must then review and approve the impeachment with a two-thirds vote.
This process has precedent. In 2016, former President Park Geun-hye was impeached and removed from office following a corruption scandal. The process took six months from impeachment to the election of a new leader. Ironically, Yoon himself gained prominence as the prosecutor who helped convict Park.
With three vacancies on the nine-judge constitutional court due to political gridlock, it remains uncertain whether an incomplete bench could proceed with Yoonโs case.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Yoonโs presidency, marked by plummeting approval ratings and divisive rhetoric, now hangs by a thread. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who has emerged as a leading contender for the presidency, declared, โIt has become clear to the entire nation that President Yoon can no longer conduct state affairs normally.โ
As South Korea navigates this turbulent chapter, the outcome will not only shape its political future but also influence its standing on the global stage. The eyes of the world are on Seoul as it grapples with the weight of history and the promise of democracy.
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