Lawmakers gathered at the National Assembly in the early hours of Thursday to report an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Democratic Party's Kim Seung-won urged ruling party lawmakers to consider the people's interests and support the motion.
Out of the 300 members of the National Assembly, 188 attended the plenary session where the motion to initiate the impeachment process was reported. Media reports suggested that ruling party lawmakers did not attend the session in protest against the motion.
Kim emphasized the importance of upholding the constitution, reminding lawmakers of their commitment to serve the people when they took office. To pass the motion, two-thirds of the legislature's approval is required.
The Democratic Party, along with minor opposition parties and independents, hold a combined total of 192 seats. They would need the support of at least eight members from Yoon's People Power Party to pass the motion.
The motion is expected to be put to a vote as early as Friday. Kim expressed gratitude to the public for their role in enabling lawmakers to enter the National Assembly building on Tuesday, amidst police and military presence following Yoon's declaration of martial law.
Kim acknowledged the people's victory and emphasized the responsibility of lawmakers to protect their interests. He urged fellow legislators to consider the concerns of the public, who are anxious about President Yoon Suk Yeol's potential actions.
