South Korea’s Opposition Parties File Motion to Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol
South Korea’s opposition parties have submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he abruptly imposed martial law in a shock move that rattled the country. The motion, filed by the Democratic Party and five smaller opposition parties, could be put to a vote as early as Friday.
The Democratic Party views Yoon’s martial law declaration as “a clear violation of the constitution” and “a grave act of rebellion” that provides grounds for his impeachment. Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday night, accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament and vowing to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order”.
The announcement caused chaos in Seoul, drawing heavily armed troops to surround the National Assembly building as they clashed with protesters who demanded martial law be lifted. Six hours after the declaration, 190 lawmakers gathered in parliament to unanimously vote it down. His Cabinet formally lifted martial law at around 4:30 a.m. local time.
For Yoon to be successfully impeached, the motion will need the support of two-thirds of parliament, and at least six justices of the nine-member Constitutional Court. The Democratic Party floor leader, Park Chan-dae, called for Yoon to be investigated on charges of rebellion over the way he deployed troops to the parliament. Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun has offered to resign. The Democratic Party has also submitted a separate motion to impeach Kim, alleging that he recommended the martial law declaration to Yoon.
