South Korea’s National Assembly failed to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his party boycotted the vote. The opposition sought his removal after he briefly imposed martial law, sparking nationwide protests.
Yoon’s failed impeachment likely worsens South Korea’s political instability. Protests demanding his resignation are expected to grow as polls show most citizens support his removal. His martial law declaration, widely criticized, alienated even his conservative party, which fears losing power to liberals.
Martial Law Sparks Crisis
The opposition-dominated parliament initiated an impeachment vote on Saturday, with only three PPP lawmakers supporting it. Without 200 votes, the motion automatically cancels by midnight. The opposition may resubmit the motion when parliament reconvenes Wednesday.
Currently, the opposition holds 192 of 300 National Assembly seats, just eight votes shy of the required two-thirds majority.
Hours before the vote, Yoon apologized to the nation in a televised address. He acknowledged responsibility for his actions, pledging to face legal consequences. Assuring the public, Yoon promised no further martial law orders and instructed his party to stabilize the political climate.
The impeachment vote began at 5 p.m. local time and extended for hours. Tensions escalated after Yoon’s party members labeled him a “great danger” to citizens.
Yoon imposed martial law Tuesday, citing the need to “eliminate anti-state forces” and accusing the opposition of aligning with North Korea. Six hours later, he reversed the decree after 190 lawmakers stormed parliament to annul it.
Opposition leaders condemned the martial law order as unconstitutional, labeling it an attempted coup. They demand Yoon’s removal to prevent further abuses of power.
If impeached, Yoon’s powers will suspend until the Constitutional Court rules on his fate. A presidential election must occur within 60 days if the court removes him.