South Korea’s political landscape is in turmoil as calls for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suspension intensify. On Friday, the leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, shocked the nation by stating that Yoon must be removed from office for attempting to impose martial law. The government, however, has denied allegations of preparing another declaration of martial law.
The controversy erupted on Tuesday when President Yoon granted sweeping emergency powers to the military, citing the need to combat “anti-state forces” and counter political opposition. This declaration, however, was met with fierce resistance. After just six hours, the president rescinded the decree following a parliamentary vote opposing the move, which included dissent from members of his own party.
The fallout has been swift. The main opposition Democratic Party has submitted an impeachment motion, with a vote scheduled for Saturday evening. Opposition lawmakers remain on high alert, even rotating shifts in parliament to prevent any further attempts at declaring martial law.
Speaking after a PPP meeting, party leader Han Dong-hoon revealed that Yoon allegedly ordered the arrest of prominent politicians, branding them as “anti-state forces.” However, the presidential office denied issuing any such orders, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Han expressed grave concerns over the president’s actions, stating, “There is a high risk of extreme measures, such as emergency martial law, being repeated under Yoon’s leadership.” While he stopped short of explicitly calling for impeachment, Han underscored the need for Yoon’s immediate suspension to safeguard the nation.
Shifting Party Allegiances and Public Outrage
The PPP’s stance on impeachment appears divided. While the party initially opposed the motion, Han hinted at reconsideration due to what he described as “credible evidence” of Yoon’s intent to detain political leaders. Some party members are urging the president to resign, fearing a repeat of the 2016 impeachment of Park Geun-hye, which decimated the conservative party and handed power to liberal rivals.
For the impeachment motion to pass, support from two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly is required. With the PPP holding 108 seats, at least eight members would need to side with the opposition. If successful, Yoon would be suspended from office pending a Constitutional Court trial, with the prime minister assuming interim leadership.
Investigations and Public Backlash
The president’s recent actions have sparked investigations by national police and prosecutors. Reports suggest that former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who allegedly encouraged Yoon’s martial law declaration, is also under scrutiny. Kim has since resigned.
Details continue to emerge about the chaos that unfolded on Tuesday night. Kwak Jong-geun, the commander of special warfare troops, revealed that he defied an order to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament, opting instead to order his troops to stand down and avoid using live ammunition.
The public’s outrage is palpable. Viral images of Democratic Party spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong confronting a soldier outside parliament have become symbols of resistance. In a statement, Ahn questioned Yoon’s leadership, saying, “Who could trust a president declaring martial law like a child playing games?”
Meanwhile, Yoon’s approval ratings have plummeted to a record low of 13%, according to a Gallup Korea poll released on Friday. The president has not been seen in public since withdrawing the martial law declaration, further fueling speculation and criticism.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As South Korea grapples with the implications of its president’s actions, the political future remains uncertain. The coming days will be critical, with the impeachment vote potentially reshaping the country’s leadership and political landscape.
