South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s party is opposing efforts to impeach him over his failed attempt to impose martial law. The defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, resigned following the chaotic six-hour period of martial law. A retired army general, Choi Byung-hyuk, has been named as Kim’s successor. Yoon’s office defended the martial law declaration as necessary due to a government paralysis. The order was lifted after lawmakers defied it, leading to public protests and calls for Yoon’s resignation.
The main opposition Democratic Party announced that lawmakers would vote on the impeachment motion on Saturday. A two-thirds majority is required in the National Assembly for the motion to pass. Yoon’s party, the People Power Party, opposes the impeachment, which could make it difficult for the motion to succeed. Opposition lawmakers are prepared to keep trying until Yoon is impeached if the motion fails initially.
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State criticized Yoon’s decision to declare martial law, emphasizing the strength of South Korean democracy. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Biden administration was not informed of the decision ahead of time, but emphasized the importance of a peaceful process according to the constitution and rule of law. The situation continues to unfold, with uncertainty surrounding the impeachment motion and its potential impact on Yoon’s presidency.
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