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In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday, marking a rare and historic moment in the nation’s political landscape. The decision follows a period of intense political turmoil, with Yoon’s own ruling People Power Party turning against him after his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month.
This marks only the second time in less than a decade that a South Korean president has faced impeachment proceedings while in office. As a result, Yoon’s presidential powers have been suspended, pending a final decision from the Constitutional Court. The court’s ruling, which could take up to six months, will determine whether Yoon is permanently removed from office.
The roots of Yoon’s impeachment lie in his shocking decision to declare martial law on December 3, 2024. He ordered soldiers to occupy the National Assembly, hoping to stifle opposition lawmakers. However, the move backfired spectacularly. Lawmakers, supported by a surge of public outrage, physically fought their way past troops to enter the chamber and overturn the martial law decree.
Opposition parties initially failed to impeach Yoon when members of his ruling party boycotted a vote last week, hoping he would step down voluntarily. But Yoon’s defiance only intensified. In a fiery speech, he defended his decision, criticized the opposition, and vowed to “fight until the last moment with the people.” His resolve, however, did little to placate his critics.
The turning point came when the leader of the People Power Party withdrew his support for Yoon and called for impeachment, framing it as the “only way to defend democracy.” Lawmakers were instructed to vote with their conscience, and 204 members voted for impeachment, with only 85 opposed.
The impeachment vote sparked jubilation among thousands of protesters who had gathered outside the National Assembly. Demonstrators, some of whom had spent weeks calling for Yoon’s resignation, erupted in celebration. Lim Dong Eon, one of the protestors, told CNN, “He surely tried to have a war against the citizens so this is just what he deserved.” Another protester declared, “Democracy is back!”
At the same time, Yoon’s supporters rallied in downtown Seoul, waving South Korean and U.S. flags. They chanted slogans and held signs in solidarity with the embattled president, highlighting the stark political divide in the country.
Following the impeachment, Yoon released a statement through the presidential office, vowing not to surrender. “I will stop temporarily for now, but the journey to the future that I’ve walked with the people for the past two years should not stop,” he said. “I will not give up. With all the encouragement and support for me in mind, I will do my best until the last moment for the nation.”
South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been appointed as acting president. Han pledged to “devote all my strength and effort to stable operation of state affairs” during this tumultuous period. However, Han’s leadership is also under scrutiny, as he faces investigations regarding his role in the martial law decision, which could further destabilize South Korea’s political environment.
The Constitutional Court now has the final say on Yoon’s political fate. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae announced that a meeting would be held on Monday to discuss the case’s schedule, promising a “swift and fair” process. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will become the second South Korean president to be removed from office via impeachment, following Park Geun-hye’s ousting in 2017.
The impeachment process has created uncertainty in South Korean politics, raising questions about the nation’s stability in the months ahead. Political analysts warn that protracted legal battles and the investigation into Prime Minister Han Duck-soo could disrupt governance and erode public trust.
Yoon’s presidency, which began in 2022, has been fraught with challenges. The former prosecutor and conservative firebrand faced low approval ratings and multiple scandals involving his wife and his political appointments. His administration’s hardline stance on “fake news” led to controversial raids on media outlets, including MBC and JTBC, and the homes of several journalists.
Political deadlock was another constant. Yoon’s opposition-majority parliament blocked key policy initiatives, such as tax cuts and deregulation efforts, while also targeting key cabinet members. Frustrated by legislative gridlock, Yoon’s decision to declare martial law was seen as a desperate power grab — a miscalculation that ultimately led to his downfall.
South Korea now enters a period of heightened political uncertainty. The impeachment has underscored deep divisions in society and within the ruling party. As the Constitutional Court deliberates, Han Duck-soo’s leadership will be tested. The possibility of fresh elections or new leadership in the People Power Party could reshape the country’s political landscape.
For many South Koreans, however, the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol is seen as a victory for democracy. The protesters who braved the cold to demand his removal may feel vindicated, but the country’s path forward remains uncertain. All eyes are now on the Constitutional Court as South Korea’s political saga continues to unfold.
