The National Assembly in South Korea is preparing to vote on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week.
The move has plunged the country into a state of political uncertainty, with debates intensifying over his leadership and constitutional responsibilities.
The plenary session for the vote is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Saturday. While the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) and its allies hold a significant majority with 192 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, the motion requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
This means at least eight members from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) would need to support the motion.
Earlier in the day, Yoon publicly apologised in a nationally televised address for the anxiety caused by his attempt to impose martial law. He pledged not to repeat such an act and expressed his willingness to entrust the matter of his presidency to his party.
Despite his apology, the opposition continues to argue that his actions violated the Constitution and other laws, demanding either his immediate resignation or impeachment.
Yoon's declaration of martial law earlier this week was brief, lasting just six hours before being rescinded. However, it has left a deep impact on the political climate, with both the public and lawmakers questioning his ability to lead.
Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s party, has called for his early resignation, stating that the president is no longer in a position to fulfil his duties effectively.
The impeachment motion, if passed, would be reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which holds the authority to either reinstate or remove Yoon from office.
If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become the second South Korean president to be removed through this process, following Park Geun-hye’s ousting in 2017.
Adding to the tension, a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into First Lady Kim Keon Hee’s alleged corruption and election interference is also on the agenda for a vote during the same session. This bill, previously vetoed by Yoon, requires a two-thirds majority to override his veto.
Furthermore, the opposition is also preparing to table an impeachment motion against Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, a close ally of Yoon. They allege that Lee played a significant role in the mismanagement that led to the martial law declaration.
The situation has become a critical test for South Korea’s democratic institutions. By law, an impeachment motion must be voted on within 24 to 72 hours after being reported to a plenary session, ensuring that the National Assembly’s decision will likely be made soon.
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