South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol found himself in the political hot seat Thursday, with his own party vowing to block an opposition-led impeachment motion sparked by his controversial and short-lived declaration of martial law. The decision to suspend civilian rule and deploy military forces to parliament was reversed within hours following overwhelming opposition from lawmakers and public demonstrations.
Impeachment Motion and Party Response
The opposition, leveraging their strong majority in the 300-seat National Assembly, intends to vote on the impeachment by Saturday. They need only a small number of defectors from Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) to secure the necessary two-thirds vote. However, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, while distancing the party from Yoon’s martial law declaration, has committed to maintaining party unity in opposition to the impeachment. “All 108 lawmakers of the People Power Party will stay united to reject the president’s impeachment,” declared the party’s floor leader, Choo Kyung-ho.
Public and International Reaction
The move has not only stirred domestic controversy but also alarmed South Korea’s international allies. The United States, learning of the martial law declaration through media reports, expressed deep concern through National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who commended the National Assembly for its adherence to democratic processes.
Protests and Legal Repercussions
The public’s response was swift and vocal, with thousands rallying in Seoul, demanding Yoon’s resignation and chanting for his arrest. The opposition has pushed further, accusing Yoon of attempting to evade investigations into alleged misconduct involving him and his family. They’ve initiated an “insurrection” complaint against him and key officials, which could lead to severe penalties under South Korean law.
The Path Forward
If the impeachment motion passes, Yoon will be temporarily suspended, awaiting a verdict from the Constitutional Court. A successful impeachment would necessitate new elections within 60 days, potentially reshaping South Korea’s political landscape. As Yoon remains out of the public eye since his announcement, his administration has seen the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, though other critical figures like Interior Minister Lee Sang-min remain in their posts.
The situation has also drawn attention from regional powers, with China advising caution to its citizens in South Korea, Russia expressing alarm, and Japan closely monitoring developments, highlighting the international ramifications of this domestic crisis.
