South Korea’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil as President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an impeachment effort backed by his own ruling party, the People Power Party (PPP). The dramatic shift follows widespread condemnation of Yoon’s decision to declare martial law earlier this month—a move that has triggered a national crisis and fierce public backlash.
Ruling Party Supports Impeachment
The PPP, initially resistant to impeachment, announced its support for the motion Thursday, significantly increasing the chances of its success. Party leader Han Dong-hoon stated that despite efforts to persuade Yoon to step down voluntarily, they had reached a dead end.
“We tried to find a better way than impeachment, but that other way is invalid,” Han declared. “Suspending the president from his duties through impeachment is the only way for now, to defend democracy and the republic.”
The opposition Democratic Party has already prepared a new impeachment motion, with a vote anticipated as early as Saturday. The president narrowly avoided impeachment last week when PPP lawmakers abstained from voting, but with the ruling party now endorsing the move, Han emphasized that party members are free to vote according to their conscience.
“I believe our party members will vote for the country and the people,” he added.
Yoon Defends Martial Law Declaration
Despite mounting calls to resign, Yoon delivered a defiant speech Thursday in an attempt to justify his controversial decision to declare martial law on December 3. He accused the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in “anti-state activities,” obstructing legislation, and sympathizing with North Korea—allegations the opposition vehemently denies.
Yoon framed the martial law declaration as a necessary response to what he described as a political stalemate. He dismissed accusations of treason, claiming the measure was intended to “maintain order, not to dismiss the National Assembly nor to paralyze its function.”
In a bid to downplay the gravity of his actions, Yoon argued that he refrained from taking more extreme measures. “If I were to paralyze the functions of the National Assembly, I would’ve enforced martial law on the weekend, not a weekday,” he said. “And cut power and water at the parliament building first, and restrict broadcasting. But I didn’t do any of that.”
However, his explanations have done little to quell the public outrage or soften the criticism from across the political spectrum.
Public and Political Fallout
Yoon’s declaration of martial law was met with shock and fury nationwide. The move is seen as a chilling reminder of South Korea’s painful history of military dictatorship, which ended after a hard-fought struggle for democracy in the 1980s. Protests erupted across the country, with demonstrators clashing with riot police and condemning what they perceived as a dangerous erosion of democratic principles.
The controversial decision has also led to legal consequences. Police have opened an investigation into Yoon and other top officials on allegations of treason. Lawmakers approved a special counsel to probe whether the president abused his power or committed insurrection by imposing martial law. Yoon has been barred from leaving the country, and on Wednesday, police raided the presidential office as part of the investigation.
The fallout has not been limited to Yoon himself. Several high-ranking officials tied to the martial law decision have faced repercussions, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was detained last week. Kim, who allegedly recommended martial law, attempted to take his own life in custody on Tuesday. Meanwhile, lawmakers have impeached Justice Minister Park Sung-jae and National Police Agency Chief Cho Ji-ho for their roles in the scandal.
A Troubled Presidency
Yoon, a conservative former prosecutor, has faced significant challenges throughout his presidency. Since taking office two years ago, his approval ratings have plummeted amid economic struggles and controversies involving his wife and political appointments. The gridlock in parliament has further weakened his administration, as opposition lawmakers blocked key legislation and impeached senior cabinet members.
Yoon’s leadership style and rhetoric have also drawn criticism. In his Thursday address, he accused the opposition of “creating a lot of false incitement” and claimed to be the victim of a political witch hunt. He reiterated his commitment to “fight until the last moment with the people” and apologized to citizens for any distress caused by the martial law declaration.
“I apologize again to the people who might have been surprised and nervous due to the short-lived martial law,” Yoon said. “Please trust in my passionate loyalty for you, the people.”
The Path Forward
The PPP’s decision to support impeachment marks a pivotal moment in South Korean politics. Yoon’s fate now hangs in the balance as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming vote. If the motion passes, Yoon will be suspended from his duties while the Constitutional Court reviews the case, a process that could take up to six months.
In the meantime, the political crisis has highlighted deep divisions within South Korea’s political system. The battle over Yoon’s presidency underscores the challenges of maintaining democratic norms in the face of partisan strife and public discontent.
As the nation watches the unfolding drama, one thing is clear: the coming days will be crucial in determining South Korea’s political future and its commitment to upholding democratic principles.
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