South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by lawmakers following his controversial attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. The impeachment, seen as a significant political move, has suspended Yoon from office while the Constitutional Court determines the validity of the decision.
The National Assembly voted on Saturday, with 204 out of 300 lawmakers supporting the impeachment motion. The president faced allegations of insurrection for attempting to declare martial law on December 3.
To pass the motion, opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Party needed at least eight members of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to vote against their own leader. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will now serve as acting leader while the court deliberates.
“Today’s impeachment is the great victory of the people,” stated Park Chan-dae, a Democratic Party leader, following the vote.
Massive protests unfolded across Seoul as citizens voiced their opinions. In front of the National Assembly, an estimated 200,000 demonstrators demanded Yoon’s removal, while 30,000 rallied in his support near Gwanghwamun Square. Among his supporters, some argued that Yoon’s martial law declaration was justified.
If the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will become the second South Korean president to be permanently removed from office. However, if the court overturns the decision, Yoon will be reinstated, as happened in 2004 with former President Roh Moo-hyun.
The court has six months to finalize its ruling. Meanwhile, public dissatisfaction with Yoon continues to grow, with recent polls showing his approval rating at just 11%.
