South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached over martial law protests
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached and suspended from his official duties following a parliamentary vote triggered by his controversial attempt to impose martial law last week. The impeachment motion passed with 204 lawmakers supporting it, surpassing the two-thirds threshold needed in the 300-member national assembly.
Opposition parties, which control 192 seats, were joined by some members of Yoon’s own People Power Party in approving the motion.
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Despite the suspension, Yoon remains in office while the Constitutional Court reviews the case. The court has up to six months to decide whether to permanently remove him. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was appointed by Yoon, will serve as acting president.
If the court upholds the impeachment, a snap election will be called to elect a new president. Yoon becomes the second conservative president in South Korea to face impeachment, following Park Geun-hye, who was removed from office in 2017.
“The future of the Republic of Korea and our hope is in the hands of the people, our hope is strong. Thank you very much,” said National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik following the vote.
President Yoon’s martial law declaration on December 3, intended to suppress alleged anti-state activities, was met with immediate and widespread public outcry.
Tens of thousands of South Koreans took to the streets, particularly in Seoul, condemning the move as a regression to authoritarianism.
Protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, demanding Yoon’s resignation and the restoration of democratic norms.
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