In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s parliament voted on Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking a rare and extraordinary rebuke from within his own ruling party. The move follows Yoon’s controversial attempt to impose martial law and his refusal to step down voluntarily.
This is the second instance in less than a decade where a South Korean president has faced impeachment. Following the parliamentary decision, Yoon has been suspended from his duties, pending a final verdict by the Constitutional Court.
Protesters gathered outside the parliament erupted in celebration after the vote. In response, Yoon issued a statement acknowledging the temporary suspension of his powers but remained defiant.
“I will pause for now, but the journey I have walked with the people over the past two years must not end,” Yoon stated. “With all the support I have received, I will continue to do my best for the nation until the very end.”
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president in accordance with South Korean law. Han pledged to focus on maintaining stability during this period, stating, “I will devote all my strength and effort to ensuring the smooth operation of state affairs.”
Kang Sun-woo, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, reflected on the momentous decision, telling reporters, “The great democracy of South Korea will survive and be reborn after this impeachment.”
The impeachment stems from Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on December 3. His controversial decree saw soldiers deployed to parliament, where lawmakers had to navigate past troops to convene and nullify the declaration. The move sparked widespread outrage, rallying citizens to demand Yoon’s removal from office.
An earlier attempt to impeach Yoon was unsuccessful when members of his ruling People Power Party abstained, hoping he would resign voluntarily. Instead, Yoon intensified his stance, defending his martial law decision in a combative speech on Thursday. He framed his actions as necessary to “save the country” and vowed to fight alongside the people until the end.
However, support within his own party collapsed just before his speech. The party leader withdrew backing for Yoon, describing impeachment as the “only way to defend democracy” and urging lawmakers to follow their conscience during the vote.
On Saturday, thousands of protesters braved freezing temperatures in Seoul, calling for Yoon’s resignation. The parliamentary vote passed overwhelmingly, with 204 lawmakers in favor and 85 against.
“He tried to wage war against his own citizens, so this outcome is well-deserved,” said Lim Dong Eon, a protester celebrating outside the National Assembly. What began as protests has now turned into celebrations across the capital.