South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol is facing possible impeachment after his abrupt declaration of martial law was lifted following a parliamentary vote rejecting the measure. The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) on Wednesday demanded President Yoon step down immediately, threatening to initiate impeachment proceedings if he refuses.
The DP’s call for resignation comes amid widespread political turmoil. Senior presidential staff, including the chief of staff and all senior secretaries, have reportedly offered to resign in the wake of the controversial martial law declaration and its subsequent revocation, according to multiple media outlets citing the presidential office.
Adding to the political unrest, Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, has called for Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to be dismissed and has urged the entire cabinet to resign.
President Yoon declared a state of “emergency” martial law late on Tuesday during a surprise televised address. However, he abandoned the attempt hours later after lawmakers defied security forces to vote against his declaration, and thousands of protesters took to the streets in opposition.
This incident marks the first time in 45 years that martial law has been declared in South Korea, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily.
What Happened After Imposing Martial Law?
Following the declaration, a six-point decree from the new martial law commander, Army Chief General Park An-su, swiftly came into effect. The decree banned political activities and parties, prohibited “false propaganda,” and outlawed strikes and “gatherings that incite social unrest.”
The order also placed all media outlets under the authority of martial law and directed all medical staff, including striking doctors, to return to work within 48 hours.
Security forces sealed off the National Assembly, with helicopters landing on the roof and troops entering the building in an apparent attempt to prevent lawmakers from convening.
Despite these measures, 190 lawmakers managed to enter the assembly and voted unanimously to reject President Yoon’s declaration and demanded that martial law be lifted.
The political crisis has plunged South Korea into uncertainty, with calls for resignations at the highest levels of government. The coming days are likely to be critical in determining the nation’s path forward as both the ruling party and opposition grapple with the fallout from the unprecedented events.
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Yoon faces possible impeachment after martial law order revocation
cgtn.com
