South Korea is grappling with a significant political crisis as lawmakers prepare for a second attempt to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol. The move follows his controversial declaration of martial law earlier in December, a decision that was widely criticized and further deepened the country’s political turmoil.
The crisis began when President Yoon issued a decree on December 3 imposing martial law, which he justified as necessary to address political instability. Observers noted that South Korean law permits such measures only during wartime or emergencies of a similar scale. Reports indicated that the martial law announcement led to the mobilization of approximately 300 armed troops, who surrounded the National Assembly and targeted the electoral commission. However, the assembly unanimously rejected the declaration within six hours, forcing Yoon to revoke the order.
The president later acknowledged in a public statement that his decision was made out of desperation. He reportedly expressed regret for the anxiety caused to the public and apologized for the distress his actions had triggered. Critics described his move as unconstitutional and unnecessary under the circumstances.
The aftermath of the martial law declaration has seen intensified demands for Yoon’s resignation, not only from opposition leaders but also from some within his own conservative People Power Party (PPP). Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and several smaller factions, hold 192 seats in the 300-member National Assembly and were reported to have initiated impeachment proceedings.
The first attempt at impeachment, however, failed to reach the required threshold of 200 votes, as most members of Yoon’s party reportedly boycotted the process. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik was quoted as describing the failure as deeply regrettable and a blow to the country’s democratic values. PPP Chair Han Dong-hun allegedly criticized Yoon’s justification for the martial law decree, referring to it as a clear admission of rebellion.
Despite the mounting criticism, Yoon has reportedly remained defiant. In a televised address, he is said to have vowed to defend his decision and fight against his detractors. He was also quoted as stating that the future of his presidency would depend on the course decided by his party.
If the impeachment motion succeeds in the upcoming vote, Yoon’s presidential powers would be suspended while the Constitutional Court deliberates on whether to remove him from office. Reports suggest that if he is removed, the law requires a presidential election to be held within 60 days. During this period, Yoon remains under criminal investigation for allegations of treason and has been banned from leaving the country.
Analysts have pointed out that the political stalemate has paralyzed legislative functions, while Yoon’s administration struggles with public dissatisfaction, an opposition-controlled parliament, and allegations of misconduct involving the president and his wife.
Public protests have reportedly grown in intensity, with demonstrators demanding Yoon’s resignation and condemning his martial law decree. On the international stage, South Korea’s allies, including the United States and Japan, are believed to have expressed concerns over the implications of the crisis for regional stability.
In his original martial law announcement, Yoon was said to have described parliament as a den of criminals obstructing state affairs. He allegedly vowed to eliminate what he characterized as anti-state forces, rhetoric that observers argue has further polarized the political landscape.
The second impeachment vote against President Yoon Suk-yeol is expected to be a critical juncture for South Korea’s democracy. Whether the motion succeeds or fails, political analysts suggest that the crisis highlights deep divisions within the government and underscores the urgent need for reforms to restore public trust in democratic institutions.
