On Saturday, South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his recent declaration of martial law, which sparked widespread protests and concerns about undermining the democratic order. The impeachment motion passed with 204 votes in favor and 85 against, surpassing the required two-thirds majority.
As a result, Yoon’s presidential powers will be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will take over as acting president. The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to rule on the impeachment, which could lead to a snap election if upheld.
The decision to impeach Yoon came after growing evidence that his declaration of martial law on December 3 was not simply a symbolic gesture as he claimed, but part of a premeditated plan.
Leaked documents and testimonies from military officials revealed that preparations for the declaration began at least a month in advance, with plans to arrest key political figures and even consider medical facilities in case of violence. This raised serious constitutional concerns, as Yoon attempted to prevent the National Assembly from performing its duties, including its right to overturn a martial law declaration.
President Yoon Suk Yeol
Testimonies from senior military officers further compounded the situation. Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, who commanded the special forces unit that stormed the National Assembly, revealed that Yoon personally ordered him to stop 150 lawmakers from gathering, which was necessary to overturn the martial law order.
Kwak described how Yoon instructed him to break down doors and forcibly remove lawmakers. This action violated the constitutional principle that allows the National Assembly to override a martial law declaration, making Yoon’s actions central to an ongoing investigation into potential insurrection, which carries severe legal consequences.
In response to the impeachment, Yoon remained defiant, claiming that his martial law declaration was a legitimate use of his presidential powers. He also suggested that the opposition party’s victory in the April elections was the result of voter fraud, a claim that has been debunked.
His refusal to take responsibility led to growing criticism from within his own party, with party leader Han Dong-hoon urging lawmakers to support the impeachment. If the Constitutional Court confirms the impeachment, Yoon will join a small group of South Korean presidents who have been ousted or jailed since the country transitioned to democracy in 1987.
Yoon’s presidency, which began only two years ago, has been marked by controversy and instability. Initially elected as a former prosecutor with a reputation for fighting corruption, Yoon’s time in office has been marred by accusations of authoritarianism, media crackdowns, and financial scandals involving his wife.
While he positioned himself as a defender of democracy on the global stage, his actions domestically have raised doubts about his commitment to democratic principles. If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will face a dramatic and rapid fall from power, ending a presidency that was once viewed as a promising but ultimately turbulent chapter in South Korea’s political history.
