South Korean lawmakers are gearing up for a crucial vote on an opposition-led impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol. This follows Yoon's defense of his controversial martial law decree and his pledge to resist growing calls for his removal.
This will mark the second time the National Assembly will vote on Yoon's impeachment motion, with the previous attempt resulting in Yoon surviving the vote after ruling party lawmakers boycotted the process.
Public protests against Yoon have escalated, leading to a significant drop in his approval ratings. While opposition parties control a majority in the parliament, they are still short of the two-thirds majority required to pass the impeachment motion.
Massive demonstrations have been witnessed in Seoul, with thousands of people demanding Yoon's ouster and arrest. The protests have been characterized by peaceful gatherings, with both supporters and opponents of Yoon expressing their views.
Yoon's imposition of martial law, albeit brief, caused political upheaval, disrupted diplomatic activities, and impacted financial markets. The decree was eventually overturned by a unanimous parliamentary vote.
Accusations of rebellion have been leveled against Yoon, with experts citing legal provisions that restrict the president's authority to declare martial law except in wartime or similar emergencies.
In a defiant speech, Yoon defended his actions, labeling them as necessary governance measures. He accused the opposition of undermining the government's operations and vowed to combat any threats to the nation's constitutional order.
If the impeachment motion is passed, Yoon's presidential powers will be suspended pending a decision by the Constitutional Court. Yoon faces potential criminal charges related to the martial law declaration, with investigations ongoing.
Several high-ranking officials, including the defense minister and police chief, have already been arrested in connection with the martial law incident. The political landscape in South Korea remains tense as the nation awaits the outcome of the impeachment vote.
