South Korea Impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Attempt

South Korean lawmakers have impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law on December 3, 2024. The vote, which occurred on December 14, saw 204 lawmakers vote in favor of impeachment, citing insurrection allegations, while 85 voted against. Three lawmakers abstained, and eight votes were nullified. As a result, Yoon has been temporarily suspended from office while the Constitutional Court deliberates on the matter.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has stepped in as the interim leader, with the Constitutional Court given 180 days to determine Yoon’s fate. For the impeachment to pass, 200 votes were required, and opposition lawmakers were able to convince at least eight members from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to support the motion.

In response to the impeachment, opposition Democratic Party leader Park Chan-dae declared it a victory for the people, with large crowds rallying outside the parliament. Estimates suggest over 200,000 people supported the impeachment, while a smaller group of 30,000 gathered in favor of Yoon. The latter group, waving South Korean and American flags, expressed unwavering support for the president, with some supporters approving his decisions, including the martial law bid.

The Democratic Party criticized Yoon’s leadership and emphasized that impeachment was necessary to preserve South Korea’s constitution, democracy, and future. Amid the protests, volunteers distributed warm handouts and food to keep the crowd energized in sub-zero temperatures. Celebrities, including K-pop singer Yuri from Girl’s Generation, also joined the demonstrations, showing solidarity with the opposition.

Should the Constitutional Court rule in favor of impeachment, Yoon would be the second president in South Korean history to be removed from office, following the 2004 impeachment of President Roh Moo-hyun, which was later overturned. However, with only six judges on the Constitutional Court, a unanimous decision would be required for impeachment.

Despite the growing backlash, Yoon remains defiant, with his approval rating plunging to just 11%, according to a recent Gallup Korea poll. The same poll revealed that 75% of the public now supports his impeachment.