South Korea’s six opposition parties have jointly submitted a new motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing his controversial martial law declaration earlier this month.
The National Assembly confirmed the submission on Thursday, with opposition leaders planning a floor vote on the motion by Saturday. Yoon’s Dec. 3 martial law declaration has sparked political turmoil and public outrage, with widespread protests demanding his removal.
Earlier in the day, Yoon defended his actions, calling the martial law an act of governance and dismissing accusations of rebellion. He vowed to "fight to the end" against impeachment efforts and ongoing investigations into the unprecedented move.
Yoon’s Martial Law Decree
On Dec. 3, Yoon declared martial law, deploying armed troops to encircle parliament and raid the National Election Commission. The decree was lifted after six hours when the National Assembly voted unanimously to annul it. Critics, including opposition lawmakers and some members of Yoon’s own party, have called the move unconstitutional.
South Korean law permits martial law only during wartime or similar emergencies. Opposition parties argue that no such conditions existed and accuse Yoon of abusing his powers to suppress dissent in parliament.
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Yoon, however, justified the declaration as a response to what he called the Democratic Party’s legislative obstruction and alleged sympathies with North Korea. In a combative speech, he labeled the party “anti-state forces” and accused them of paralyzing governance.
“The opposition’s claims of rebellion are baseless. Martial law was an act of governance, not rebellion,” Yoon said. He emphasized that the deployment of nearly 300 soldiers to the National Assembly was to maintain order, not disrupt it.
Impeachment and Investigations
The new impeachment motion follows an earlier unsuccessful attempt by opposition parties. Together, they hold 192 seats in the 300-member parliament, falling eight votes short of the two-thirds majority needed for impeachment.
On Thursday, parliament also passed impeachment motions against national police chief Cho Ji Ho and Justice Minister Park Sung Jae over their roles in enforcing martial law. Both officials have been suspended from duty.
Investigations into Yoon’s martial law decree are ongoing, with law enforcement probing charges of rebellion, abuse of power, and other crimes. Rebellion convictions carry a maximum penalty of death. While South Korean law grants sitting presidents immunity from prosecution for most crimes, allegations of rebellion or treason are exceptions.
The National Assembly has also approved measures to establish an independent counsel to investigate Yoon without requiring his consent. However, many observers doubt authorities would detain Yoon due to potential clashes with his security detail.
Divisions Within the Ruling Party
Yoon’s martial law declaration has deepened divisions within his conservative People Power Party (PPP). Party chair Han Dong-hun, a vocal critic, described Yoon’s actions as a “confession of rebellion.” Yoon loyalists, however, have rallied around the president, intensifying internal conflicts.
Read more: South Korea’s ex-defense minister finally arrested over martial law
Han has urged party members to support Yoon’s impeachment, further straining relations within the party.
Fallout and Consequences
Yoon’s former defense minister, Kim Yong Hyun, was arrested on charges of rebellion and abuse of power. Kim allegedly advised Yoon to declare martial law and oversaw troop deployments to block parliamentary activity. Kim attempted suicide while in detention but is reportedly in stable condition.
If Yoon is impeached, his powers would be suspended pending a decision by the Constitutional Court, which would either remove him from office or reinstate him. A dismissal would trigger a presidential election within 60 days.
Yoon initially apologized for the martial law decree, admitting responsibility and leaving decisions about his term to his party. However, his recent remarks indicate a shift to a more defiant stance, as he continues to face mounting criticism from political rivals and segments of the public.
The ongoing turmoil has cast uncertainty over South Korea’s political landscape, with potential implications for governance, public trust, and future elections.