South Korea’s parliament overwhelmingly voted Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched attempt to impose martial law — sparking celebrations across the democratic nation.
Yoon’s presidential powers and duties have been suspended after the National Assembly passed the motion, 204-85, leaving Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the country’s No. 2 official, to pick up the job.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at a press conference at the Presidential Office in Seoul on Nov. 7, 2024. POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Constitutional Court will decide in the next 180 days whether to permanently remove Yoon — which, if pursued, would result in a snap election.
The suspended politician, however, slammed the ruling as a “temporary” pause of his presidency and promised in a statement he would “never give up.”
“I will carry with me all the criticisms, encouragement and support directed toward me, and I will continue to do my utmost for the country until the very last moment,” Yoon said.
The move comes just 11 days after Yoon shockingly declared martial law and sent hundreds of troops and police officers to Parliament as part of an unsuccessful attempt to stop its members from reversing his decree.
In doing so, Yoon “committed rebellion that hurt peace in the Republic of Korea by staging a series of riots,” the impeachment motion alleges.
South Korean lawmakers cast their votes of impeachment against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 14, 2024. via REUTERS
South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks during a plenary session at the National Assembly on Dec. 11, 2024. APNational Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik said Yoon’s impeachment was an outcome driven by “the people’s ardent desire for democracy, courage and dedication.”
The impeachment vote was the National Assembly’s second in a week. The first attempt was shot down by ruling party lawmakers, many of whom had been swayed following severe public outcry and Yoon’s tanking approval ratings.
Hundreds of thousands of people celebrated the impeachment outside the parliament Saturday, with many waving banners and glow sticks.
Protesters cheer as news of South Korea’s impeachment vote is shared to the crowds gathered in the streets of Seoul outside the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2024. AP
South Korean main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung speaks during a rally on Dec. 14, 2024. REUTERS
Protesters celebrate following the passage of an impeachment motion against South Korea’s president. JEON HEON-KYUN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock“The impeachment has been done in line with the people’s demand and I hope a decision to dismiss Yoon Suk Yeol will come as soon as possible,” said Kim Su-bong, a protester. “I’m very happy and moved. I view it as a victory of the people.”
US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg wrote on X that the US supports South Korea’s “democratic and constitutional process here and stands with its people.”
Acting leader Han has already ordered the military to bolster its security posture to prevent North Korea from launching provocations by miscalculation. He has also emphasized to other foreign governments that the change of power would not impact his nation’s external policies.
Jubilant crowds roared to celebrate another defiant moment in the South Korea’s resilient democracy. Getty Images“I earnestly ask public servants this. At this moment, we have the critical task of ensuring normal and stable operations of state affairs … I ask you to carry out your duties without any neglect to ensure that the government is operated without being shaken,” Han said in a televised statement.
In the meantime, Yoon is not permitted to leave South Korea. His defense minister and police chief and two other high-level figures have been arrested over the martial law enforcement.
Yoon enjoys the presidential privilege of immunity from criminal prosecution, however that would not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
He is the second conservative president in a row to be impeached in South Korea. Park Geun-hye was removed from office in 2017.
With Post Wires
