South Korea’s political turmoil intensified Sunday as the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) announced plans to renew efforts to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he declared martial law. The decision follows Saturday’s failed impeachment attempt, which fell short of the required 200 votes in the 300-member parliament due to a boycott by Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP). Massive protests outside the National Assembly demanded Yoon’s removal, with demonstrators braving freezing temperatures.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who oversaw the martial law operation, was arrested Sunday, while Interior Minister Lee Sang-min resigned. Both are under investigation, along with Yoon, for alleged insurrection. DP leader Lee Jae-myung criticized Yoon for undermining South Korea’s constitutional order and vowed to push for impeachment on December 14, calling the president the principal culprit behind the crisis.
The PPP claimed Yoon had agreed to step back from active governance as a compromise, with party leader Han Dong-hoon stating this move would stabilize the political situation and restore democracy. However, opposition leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, rejected this arrangement as unconstitutional, arguing that it bypassed proper legal processes and represented another coup.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and domestic anti-state elements, sparked public outrage. Security forces sealed off the National Assembly in an attempt to prevent lawmakers from convening. Despite these efforts, MPs managed to enter the building and vote down the measure, evoking memories of South Korea’s autocratic past.
Protests continued, with tens of thousands rallying outside parliament in defiance of the government. The DP plans to bring a new impeachment motion on December 14, setting the stage for further political confrontation in a deeply divided nation.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who oversaw the martial law operation, was arrested Sunday, while Interior Minister Lee Sang-min resigned. Both are under investigation, along with Yoon, for alleged insurrection. DP leader Lee Jae-myung criticized Yoon for undermining South Korea’s constitutional order and vowed to push for impeachment on December 14, calling the president the principal culprit behind the crisis.
The PPP claimed Yoon had agreed to step back from active governance as a compromise, with party leader Han Dong-hoon stating this move would stabilize the political situation and restore democracy. However, opposition leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, rejected this arrangement as unconstitutional, arguing that it bypassed proper legal processes and represented another coup.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and domestic anti-state elements, sparked public outrage. Security forces sealed off the National Assembly in an attempt to prevent lawmakers from convening. Despite these efforts, MPs managed to enter the building and vote down the measure, evoking memories of South Korea’s autocratic past.
Protests continued, with tens of thousands rallying outside parliament in defiance of the government. The DP plans to bring a new impeachment motion on December 14, setting the stage for further political confrontation in a deeply divided nation.
