Protesters in Seoul carried a banner featuring a cartoon of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on a train during a rally demanding his impeachment. The demonstration took place near the ruling People Power Party's headquarters on December 13, 2024, following Yoon's brief and controversial declaration of martial law, which he reversed just hours later. Reuters
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is bracing for a second impeachment vote following his controversial attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. This bold move, which he quickly rescinded within six hours, has created a constitutional crisis, divided his conservative party, and sparked widespread protests demanding his resignation.
Yoon’s martial law declaration on December 3 faced immediate backlash, with parliament swiftly rejecting the decree despite resistance from troops and police. The decision to impose military rule has been condemned as a breach of the law, leading opposition parties to demand accountability. The impeachment vote is set for Saturday afternoon, with massive demonstrations expected to take place ahead of the session.
In Seoul, protesters ripped apart a banner showing a cartoon of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on a train during a rally demanding his impeachment. The demonstration, held near the ruling People Power Party's headquarters on December 13, 2024, was sparked by Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law, which he retracted just hours later. Reuters
The conservative People Power Party (PPP), Yoon’s political base, boycotted the first impeachment vote last week, thereby preventing a quorum. However, cracks within the party are now emerging. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has urged members to support impeachment this time, with at least seven lawmakers from the party indicating they will vote in favor.
The opposition, controlling 192 of the 300 parliamentary seats, requires at least eight PPP votes to secure the two-thirds majority needed for impeachment. Ahn Cheol-soo, a PPP lawmaker who supports impeachment, stated, “This is necessary for the swift stabilization of our people’s livelihood, economy, and diplomacy.” However, PPP’s official stance remains opposed to the impeachment, with lawmakers meeting on Saturday morning to reassess their position.
Protesters gathered near the ruling People Power Party's headquarters in Seoul on December 13, 2024, to demand the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The rally was fueled by Yoon's controversial decision to declare martial law, a move he reversed just hours after announcing it. Reuters
The main opposition Democratic Party has been vocal in its criticism, calling Yoon’s actions intolerable and urging ruling party members to prioritize the nation over political loyalty. “Refusing impeachment is treason against the people,” the party declared in a statement.
Should the impeachment succeed, Yoon would lose his executive powers but remain in office until the Constitutional Court decides his fate. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would temporarily step in as acting president. If the court removes Yoon, or if he resigns, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.
Yoon, who is under criminal investigation for alleged insurrection related to the martial law attempt, remains defiant. He is banned from international travel and has shown no signs of stepping down. In a recent speech, Yoon defended his actions, claiming the decree was essential to address political deadlock and protect democracy. “I will fight to the end,” he vowed, though his remarks have met mixed reactions within his party.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol addressed the nation from the Presidential Office in Seoul on December 12, 2024. Reuters
The controversy has stirred public opinion, with a recent poll revealing that while two-thirds of Yoon’s supporters oppose impeachment, three-quarters of all South Koreans back the move. Protests have erupted across the nation, with demonstrators calling for Yoon’s removal. Notably, K-pop celebrities have joined the movement, offering food and drinks to protesters.
Elected in 2022, Yoon was initially welcomed on the global stage for his pro-democracy rhetoric but has faced mounting criticism at home. His clashes with opposition lawmakers and restrictive approach to media have drawn widespread scrutiny.
The ongoing crisis has shaken South Korea’s financial markets and tarnished its reputation as a stable democracy. However, hopes for political stability after the impeachment vote have fueled a modest rally in the stock market.
