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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an impeachment vote following his controversial declaration of martial law.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Earlier this week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the nation by declaring martial law in a surprise late-night television address, citing alleged threats from “anti-state forces” and accusing the opposition Democratic Party of sympathizing with North Korea. He justified the move by arguing that it was necessary to counter perceived political destabilization, particularly the opposition’s motions to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal. President Yoon’s move was met with immediate backlash. Within hours, lawmakers stormed past soldiers into the National Assembly to unanimously strike down the decree, forcing Yoon to revoke the order and triggering widespread protests and demands for his resignation.
What’s going on now: Today, South Korean lawmakers attempted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, but the motion failed due to a boycott by members of his conservative People Power Party (PPP), which prevented the assembly from reaching a decision. The impeachment vote, brought forward by the opposition Democratic Party, was anticipated to result in his removal. However, all but one PPP lawmaker left the chamber, resulting in the motion’s failure before any votes were cast. Opposition lawmakers denounced the walkout as undemocratic, with assembly speaker Woo Won-shik slamming the inability to proceed.
What Yoon is saying: President Yoon Suk Yeol has publicly apologized for his actions, describing his martial law declaration as a desperate measure taken out of his responsibility to safeguard state affairs. In a televised address, Yoon expressed regret for the anxiety and disruption caused, acknowledging the nation’s shock and vowing not to avoid the legal and political consequences of his decision. He also said there would be no further attempts to impose such measures, dismissing rumors of a second martial law decree.
Investigation into Yoon: This all comes as President Yoon Suk Yeol and other high-ranking officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, are under investigation for treason. The probe centers on allegations that Yoon unlawfully used his martial law declaration to attempt a crackdown on political opponents, reportedly ordering the arrest of key figures, including opposition leaders, under the guise of counter-intelligence operations.
