Yoon Suk Yeol impeachment/ South Korea political crisis/ martial law decree/ Han Duck-soo acting leader/ Constitutional Court review/ SEOUL/ South Korea/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ South Korea’s parliament impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial martial law decree, suspending his powers and transferring authority to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The Constitutional Court will decide Yoon’s fate in the coming months, as political and legal tensions mount.
South Korea’s Presidential Crisis: Quick Looks
- Impeachment Passed: Parliament voted 204-85 to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol for his brief martial law order.
- Power Transfer: Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumes presidential duties during the suspension.
- Legal Review: The Constitutional Court has 180 days to decide whether to reinstate or permanently remove Yoon.
- Public Reaction: Massive protests show divided public sentiment; approval ratings for Yoon have plunged to 11%.
- Historical Precedent: Yoon is the third South Korean president to face impeachment, following Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun.
South Korea’s President Yoon Impeached Over Martial Law Decree
Deep Look
Impeachment Amid Controversy
South Korea’s National Assembly impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday following his unprecedented declaration of martial law earlier this month. The 204-85 vote ended days of political standoff, suspending Yoon’s powers and appointing Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting leader. Jubilant crowds celebrated the decision in Seoul, heralding it as a victory for democracy.
Yoon’s martial law decree, the first in over 40 years, was widely condemned as unconstitutional. Issued on December 3, it lasted just six hours before parliament unanimously overturned it. Opposition lawmakers accused Yoon of abusing presidential authority to suppress dissent, with impeachment citing “rebellion” and attempts to undermine the constitution.
Public and Political Fallout
Yoon’s actions have deeply divided South Korea. Protests erupted across the nation, with many calling for his removal while others supported his leadership. Opinion polls show over 70% of South Koreans back impeachment, while Yoon’s approval rating has sunk to an all-time low of 11%.
Prime Minister Han addressed the nation, urging public servants to ensure stability amid the political upheaval. Han also directed the military to maintain heightened security to prevent provocations from North Korea, reflecting concerns over potential vulnerabilities during the leadership crisis.
International Response
The U.S. Embassy in South Korea affirmed the “ironclad” alliance between the two nations. Ambassador Philip Goldberg stated that Washington respects South Korea’s constitutional process and emphasized the continuation of shared foreign policy objectives.
Yoon’s Defiant Stance
Despite his suspension, Yoon remains defiant. In a televised statement, he vowed to continue serving the country and described his impeachment as a temporary setback. He characterized his martial law decree as a necessary governance decision, accusing the opposition of being “anti-state forces” undermining national stability.
However, testimony from military commanders paints a different picture. One Army commander revealed that Yoon ordered troops to forcibly remove lawmakers during the martial law declaration, a claim that contradicts Yoon’s justification of maintaining order.
Legal and Historical Implications
The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to decide Yoon’s fate. If his impeachment is upheld, South Korea will hold a national election within 60 days to elect a new president. Yoon also faces potential criminal charges, as presidential immunity does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
This marks the third time a South Korean president has been impeached. Park Geun-hye was removed in 2017 following a corruption scandal, while Roh Moo-hyun’s 2004 impeachment was overturned by the Constitutional Court.
Looking Ahead
Yoon’s impeachment has not only plunged South Korea into political uncertainty but also raised questions about the limits of presidential power. As investigations widen to include top military and government officials, the nation braces for a contentious legal and political battle in the months ahead.
