South Korean lawmakers President Yoon Seok-yul is calling for the suspension of his constitutional powers after he declared martial law earlier this week, raising the possibility of impeachment.
Opposition parties are pushing for parliamentary voting. Yoon’s impeachment on SaturdayHe called his declaration of martial law an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or insurrection”.
President Yun shocked democratic allies by declaring martial law late Tuesday night, plunging the East Asian country into chaos. The South Korean parliament voted. Repeal martial law Only six hours later, but the event has effectively frozen the country’s politics. Thousands of protesters have been marching through the streets of Seoul since Wednesday, demanding Yoon’s resignation and an investigation.
Still, the impeachment motion will be granted. The president needs the support of some members of the People’s Power Party to secure the required two-thirds majority. The opposition parties that jointly brought the impeachment motion have a total of 192 seats. People’s Party has 108 members of assembly.
During a party meeting, PPP leader Han Dong-hun said it was necessary to immediately suspend Yun’s presidential duties and powers, saying he “poses a significant risk of extreme actions, such as imposing martial law.” , which could potentially put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in grave danger.”
Han said he had received intelligence that the president had ordered the arrests of unspecified politicians on charges of “anti-state activities” during martial law.
South Korea’s ruling People’s Power Party leader Han Dong-hun, right, speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. (Joo Singbong/News via AP)
Han leads a minority faction within the ruling party, and 18 lawmakers from his faction voted with opposition lawmakers to overturn Yun’s martial law decree.
If Yun is impeached, he will remain suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential powers.
The leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, said in a televised speech on Friday that it was vital to suspend Yoon “as soon as possible”.
Protesters march toward the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Seok-yul, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Ahn Young Joon)
Lee said Yun’s imposition of martial law amounted to “rebellion and self-insurgency”. He said Yoon’s move severely damaged the country’s image and paralyzed foreign policy, pointing to criticism from the Biden administration and foreign leaders for canceling visits to South Korea.
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President Yun has not issued a response to Han’s comments. He has not appeared in public since he announced on TV that his martial law had been lifted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.