South Korean Parliament To Vote On Impeaching President Yoon

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks

South Korean opposition lawmakers have announced plans to vote on impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol this weekend. The move comes after President Yoon declared martial law, which was swiftly overruled by the National Assembly, causing widespread concern and protests.

President Yoon's martial law declaration, aimed at restricting political activities and controlling the media, lasted only six hours before being rejected by the National Assembly. The decision led to the resignation of the defense minister, who had recommended the drastic measure.

The opposition Democratic Party, holding a majority in the parliament, is set to vote on the impeachment of President Yoon on Saturday. The party cited the confusion and fear caused by the martial law declaration as the basis for their decision.

Opposition Democratic Party to vote on impeachment due to confusion and fear caused.

President Yoon declared martial law, swiftly overruled by National Assembly.

Impeachment requires two-thirds majority in parliament.

Impeaching the president would require the approval of two-thirds of the parliament's members. While the Democratic Party and other opposition parties fall short of the required number, some members from Yoon's ruling People Power Party have expressed opposition to the president's actions.

If impeached, President Yoon would temporarily lose his constitutional powers until the Constitutional Court makes a ruling. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume presidential responsibilities in the interim.

President Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who had suggested the martial law declaration due to challenges faced in the National Assembly. Both Yoon and Kim are under investigation for potential charges of treason related to the martial law declaration.

The United States, a key ally of South Korea, expressed surprise at President Yoon's actions, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that they were not informed in advance. The U.S. has a significant military presence in South Korea, dating back to the Korean War.

President Yoon's martial law declaration, the first in over 40 years, has raised concerns about democratic norms in South Korea, which has made significant strides towards genuine democracy in recent decades.