South Korea’s political landscape was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday as lawmakers accused President Yoon Suk Yeol of imposing martial law to evade investigations into alleged corruption involving himself and his family.
President Yoon’s declaration of martial law, the country’s first in over four decades, was swiftly overturned by lawmakers in a dramatic late-night session. However, the incident has sparked widespread outrage, protests, and calls for his impeachment.
The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the martial law declaration after lawmakers forced their way into the assembly, defying armed soldiers stationed at the site. The South Korean constitution mandates that martial law be lifted if a parliamentary majority votes against it, leaving Yoon with no choice but to retract his decision.
Following the reversal, opposition lawmakers filed a motion to impeach the president, accusing him of violating the constitution and using martial law to shield himself from investigations. The motion also alleged that the move was an attempt to suppress opposition forces.
The impeachment vote, expected by Friday, could see Yoon removed from office. The opposition holds a commanding majority in the 300-member parliament and needs only a few defectors from Yoon’s party to secure the required two-thirds majority.
Thousands of protesters gathered outside Yoon’s office and in central Seoul, demanding his resignation. Demonstrators described the martial law declaration as an abuse of power, with many expressing anger at the president’s handling of the situation.
“Yoon’s act of imposing martial law without legitimate cause is a grave crime,” said Lim Myeong-pan, a protester. “He has paved his own path to impeachment.”
Senior aides to Yoon and the defense minister offered to resign, with the latter taking responsibility for the “confusion and concern” caused by the martial law declaration. Meanwhile, Yoon has yet to make a public appearance following his televised address retracting the order.
Opposition leaders have also filed complaints accusing Yoon and his associates of insurrection, a charge that carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or death. Even members of Yoon’s own People Power Party have criticized his actions.
President Yoon justified the martial law by citing threats from North Korea and what he described as “anti-state forces” within South Korea. However, he provided no specific details on the North’s activities.
Yoon’s approval ratings had already plummeted to 19% before this incident, with citizens frustrated by economic challenges and controversies involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
The United States, South Korea’s key ally, expressed relief at the reversal of martial law, stating it had not been informed in advance. China, South Korea’s neighbor, declined to comment directly, calling the situation an internal matter.
The impeachment motion, coupled with growing public dissent, poses a significant threat to Yoon’s presidency. Observers say the political fallout could lead to early elections and a major realignment of South Korea’s political landscape.
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