South Korea’s president is facing an impeachment vote as
members of South Korea’s political opposition yesterday moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, after his abrupt declaration of martial law failed spectacularly.
Several opposition parties, buoyed by thousands of protesters who took to the streets to denounce the president, jointly submitted the impeachment motion, which could be put to a vote as early as tomorrow.
If the vote is successful, Yoon would be suspended from office and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would become the interim president. Yoon’s fate would then go to the Constitutional Court, where the justices could uphold the impeachment and remove the president from office, or reject impeachment and reinstate him.
Yoon’s defense minister, chief of staff and other top aides tendered their resignations, South Korean news media reported. Yoon will address the nation today, according to an official familiar with his plans.
Yoon’s surprise declaration of martial law on Tuesday was the first effort to impose military rule in South Korea in more than four decades. The audacious move was an attempt to break a government gridlock that has hobbled Yoon’s nearly three years in power.
