(TheIndependentStar.com) – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing a huge controversy and potential impeachment after a shocking attempt to impose martial law.
Yoon’s attempt backfired, forcing him to backpedal amid pressure from citizens who saw the move as a clear assault on their constitutional rights and freedoms.
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Opposition parties in South Korea acted quickly. They accused Yoon of violating the constitution with his martial law declaration.
Six opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party, lodged an impeachment motion against Yoon in parliament, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.
The impeachment motion is set to be reported to a parliamentary plenary session and voted on soon.
The motion requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-member National Assembly for it to pass.
Although the Democratic Party currently holds 170 seats, other opposition parties bring this figure up to 192, making the outcome uncertain but within reach.
If impeached, Yoon will be temporarily stripped of his presidential authority while the constitutional court reviews the case.
This development has sent shockwaves through South Korean politics. Several senior officials resigned after the controversy, including the Presidential Chief of Staff and National Security Adviser.
The backlash against Yoon’s actions has been swift and intense. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions called for a strike until the president’s resignation.
Additionally, citizens took part in widespread protests across Seoul to demand Yoon’s arrest.
A unanimous motion in the National Assembly quickly shut down Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law, forcing him to reverse the order.
Although the president cited threats from North Korean forces as the reason for the initial declaration, he did not provide any evidence to back his claims.
Democratic Party leader Park Chan-dae went so far as to accuse Yoon of treason, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the threat to democracy that many South Koreans see in Yoon’s actions.
The president’s approval ratings have dropped to a mere 17%, indicating a severe loss of public trust.
South Korea's six opposition parties have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law yesterday.
The impeachment motion was signed by 190 opposition lawmakers and one independent. An impeachment vote in parliament could take place at… https://t.co/qwDkBfvzjO pic.twitter.com/woJTxarDgX
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) December 4, 2024
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