South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing an impeachment effort in the National Assembly following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week. Amid the political turmoil, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, a key ally in the failed attempt to impose the order.
Opposition lawmakers submitted an impeachment motion against Yoon on Wednesday, citing his late-night declaration of martial law, which had roiled the nation and sparked widespread protests. The motion, signed by 191 lawmakers, is expected to proceed through the National Assembly, with a vote anticipated on Friday or Saturday.
To pass, the impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-member Assembly. Yoon’s conservative People Power Party holds 108 seats, meaning defections from his party would be necessary for the measure to succeed. If approved, the motion would be sent to South Korea’s Constitutional Court for final consideration.
Yoon announced martial law in a televised speech late Tuesday, claiming it was necessary to counter the Democratic Party, a liberal coalition he accused of paralyzing the government, sympathizing with North Korea, and undermining national stability. The declaration sought to ban political activities, protests, and rallies, restrict press freedoms, and curb what Yoon called “the dissemination of fake news.”
The announcement was met with immediate backlash. The National Assembly swiftly convened, with all 190 members present unanimously voting to overturn the martial law order. Hours later, Yoon backtracked, and the State Council formally repealed the declaration.
The resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun underscores the mounting pressure on Yoon’s administration. Kim, a staunch ally, played a central role in preparing the martial law order, which critics have condemned as an overreach of presidential power.
The controversy has deepened political divides, with opposition leaders accusing Yoon of undermining democracy. Demonstrations have erupted nationwide, with calls for the president to step down.
As impeachment proceedings advance, Yoon’s presidency faces its most significant crisis yet. The outcome will hinge on whether members of Yoon’s party break ranks to join the opposition. Regardless of the result, the episode marks a turning point in South Korea’s political landscape, raising questions about the limits of presidential authority and the resilience of democratic institutions.
