In a historic move, South Korea’s National Assembly voted on Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of insurrection, following a failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. The motion passed with an overwhelming 204 votes in favor, surpassing the required threshold of 200 votes, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Addressing the nation in a televised speech after the vote, President Yoon announced he would “step aside,” urging an end to the “politics of excess and confrontation.”
“Though I must now step aside for a while, the journey toward the future must never come to a stop,” he stated, emphasizing the need for unity and stability in the face of political turmoil.
The impeachment comes amid widespread public unrest, with hundreds of thousands of citizens taking to the streets of Seoul. Demonstrators have been both supporting and opposing President Yoon, whose failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3 plunged the country into a state of political upheaval.
The initial impeachment vote was scrapped last week due to a lack of quorum, as members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the motion. However, in Saturday’s session, the PPP chose not to boycott, although they continued to oppose the impeachment. Eighty-five out of the 300 lawmakers voted against the motion, while others abstained or did not participate.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume the role of interim leader as President Yoon is now suspended from office pending the Constitutional Court’s decision. The court has 180 days to deliberate; if it upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become only the second president in South Korea’s history to be formally removed from office.
Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, hailed the impeachment as a “victory of the people,” reflecting the sentiments of those who have called for Yoon’s resignation.
Despite previously vowing to “fight until the very last minute,” President Yoon faced mounting pressure, even from within his own party. The leader of the PPP openly expressed frustration over Yoon’s reluctance to step down, highlighting deep divisions within the ruling party.
The political crisis has raised concerns among international observers and investors, as South Korea plays a critical role in regional stability and global markets. Analysts are closely watching how the interim government will navigate the challenges ahead, including restoring public trust and maintaining economic momentum.
As the nation awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling, the path forward remains uncertain. However, the swift action by the National Assembly underscores South Korea’s commitment to democratic processes and the rule of law.
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South Korean lawmakers vote to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol
cgtn.com
