South Korea’s National Assembly on Saturday, voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, suspending his powers and duties, following his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3. The impeachment motion, supported by 204 lawmakers, exceeded the required two-thirds majority, marking a significant political crisis in the country.
President Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing a need to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces,” a reference to his liberal rivals who control parliament. However, the move was widely criticized as unconstitutional and an attempt to suspend parliamentary operations. The declaration was blocked by lawmakers within hours, and the state of emergency lasted only six hours.
Following the impeachment vote, Yoon vowed not to give up and called for officials to maintain stability in government functions during what he described as a “temporary” pause of his presidency. He will be suspended from presidential duties while the Constitutional Court has 180 days to decide whether to restore him or remove him from office. If he is removed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days.
