South Korea’s Opposition Pushes for Impeachment of President Yoon After Martial Law Declaration

South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party initiated impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, following his controversial declaration of martial law that plunged the nation into political turmoil. The motion, submitted to the National Assembly, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the president and his critics.

The Democratic Party’s motion will likely be voted on by the legislature by Friday or Saturday. To succeed, the measure requires a two-thirds majority in the Assembly before being forwarded to South Korea’s Constitutional Court for approval. If validated by the court, it could lead to Yoon’s removal from office.

Earlier on Wednesday, lawmakers from the opposition gathered in Seoul, publicly calling for Yoon’s resignation. “If President Yoon does not step down immediately, we will immediately begin impeachment proceedings in accordance with the will of the people,” the Democratic Party declared in a statement. The party also emphasized its determination to “fight to the end together with all the people to protect the democracy and constitutional order of the Republic of Korea.”

The impeachment motion followed Yoon’s dramatic late-night announcement on Tuesday, in which he declared martial law during a televised address. The president justified his decision by accusing the Democratic Party, a liberal coalition, of dominating the parliament, aligning with North Korea, and obstructing the government’s functions.

The martial law order included sweeping measures such as banning political activities like rallies and protests, halting the spread of “fake news,” and controlling all press under state authority. Yoon claimed such drastic steps were necessary to maintain stability in the face of what he called an “unprecedented threat” to South Korea’s governance.

The declaration was met with widespread condemnation and triggered immediate protests. Within hours of the announcement, the National Assembly convened an emergency session and voted early Wednesday morning to demand the lifting of martial law. Under the South Korean constitution, the president is required to comply with such a decision if passed by a legislative majority.

Responding to the Assembly’s resolution, Yoon announced the withdrawal of troops that had been mobilized to enforce martial law. He further assured that martial law would be officially lifted once a quorum was secured in the cabinet. Later in the day, the State Council met to finalize the process of revoking the declaration.

The political crisis deepened as ten senior presidential aides, including Presidential Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok, tendered their resignations on Wednesday morning, according to the presidential office.

Yoon, a member of the conservative People Power Party, has faced mounting criticism since assuming office in May 2022. His presidency began with a razor-thin electoral victory, and his unorthodox transition from career prosecutor to political leader has made him a polarizing figure.

Before his election, Yoon built his reputation as a prosecutor who pursued high-profile corruption cases, including the prosecution of former President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached and removed from office in 2017. However, his tenure as president has been marked by confrontations with the opposition-dominated legislature and declining public approval.

Amid the unfolding crisis, Yoon convened a meeting with top political leaders in his office on Wednesday afternoon, according to Yonhap News Agency. Details of the discussions remain unclear, but the meeting underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to the political impasse.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party organized a candlelight vigil on the steps of the National Assembly on Wednesday night to rally public support for Yoon’s impeachment. The event drew a large crowd of supporters, further highlighting the deep divisions within South Korean society over the president’s leadership.

The outcome of the impeachment motion and the broader implications for South Korea’s democracy remain uncertain. With tensions running high, the coming days are expected to be pivotal in shaping the nation’s political future.