South Korean opposition lawmakers announced on Thursday their intention to vote this weekend on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The declaration, made late Tuesday, aimed to consolidate power, ban political activities and censor the media, but it ignited widespread outrage and concern among South Korea’s international allies.
The defense minister, who recommended the martial law declaration, has since resigned. Lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Party plan to seek a parliamentary vote on the impeachment at approximately 7 p.m. (1000 GMT) on Saturday. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won criticized Yoon’s actions, stating, “The Yoon Suk Yeol regime’s declaration of emergency martial law caused great confusion and fear among our people.”
Yoon’s ruling People Power Party is currently divided over the crisis but has stated it will oppose the impeachment. The Democratic Party requires the support of at least eight of the 108 ruling-party lawmakers to pass the impeachment bill, which requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament.
In a bid to stabilize his administration, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday and nominated Choi Byung-hyuk, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as his replacement. Kim had been a key figure in recommending the martial law declaration, according to the interior minister and a senior military official.
Vice-Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho expressed his opposition to the mobilization of military forces under martial law during a parliamentary hearing, apologizing for failing to prevent the situation. The army chief has also offered to resign amid the turmoil.
The national police confirmed they are investigating accusations of treason and related crimes stemming from the martial law declaration, which was prompted by a complaint filed by an opposition party and activists. The investigation includes Yoon, his interior minister, and the ousted defense minister. Reports indicate that the former defense minister is currently under a travel ban while investigations proceed.
The political instability in South Korea has raised alarms internationally. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba warned that Japan’s security situation could be fundamentally altered due to the unrest in Seoul and North Korea’s increasing military assertiveness. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States had not been informed in advance of Yoon’s martial law declaration, with his deputy, Kurt Campbell, criticizing Yoon for misjudging the situation.
Yoon, who has been viewed as a partner in the U.S.-led effort to counter authoritarianism, has faced backlash from South Koreans for labeling his critics as “communist totalitarian and anti-state forces.” His administration has also been marred by accusations of influence-peddling involving him and his wife.
The impeachment plan follows chaotic scenes after Yoon’s martial law declaration, during which armed troops attempted to enter the National Assembly but were repelled by parliamentary aides using fire extinguishers. The commander of the martial law troops assured that no live ammunition had been provided to the soldiers.
Protesters expressed fears of a return to the authoritarian regimes that characterized much of South Korea’s post-war history. “For the sake of my children, this must be stopped no matter what,” said protester Kim Hye-Min during a demonstration outside parliament.
The crisis has also impacted global financial markets, with South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index experiencing fluctuations. If the impeachment bill passes, South Korea’s Constitutional Court will review the motion, a process that could take up to 180 days. Should Yoon be suspended, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume leadership, and if Yoon were to resign or be removed, a new election would be held within 60 days.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, won the presidency in 2022 in a tightly contested election, but his approval ratings have languished around 20% for months, with the opposition capturing nearly two-thirds of parliamentary seats in an April election.
