South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing calls for impeachment after opposition parties accused him of violating the constitution by declaring martial law in an attempt to evade criminal investigations. The impeachment motion, filed by opposition members, alleges that the martial law was not imposed for national security reasons but as a means to avoid scrutiny of criminal allegations involving Yoon and his family.
The controversy erupted after President Yoon declared martial law, which led to protests across South Korea. Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the president’s office and parliament, chanting for his resignation. Some protesters carried signs reading, “Yoon Suk Yeol should step down,” as they marched through central Seoul. The protests continued as the National Assembly rejected Yoon’s attempt to ban political activities and censor the media. In one dramatic moment, parliamentarians used fire extinguishers to prevent troops from entering the building.
In response, opposition politicians announced their intention to propose an impeachment bill, which they aimed to have voted on within 72 hours. “The parliament should focus on immediately suspending the president’s business to pass the impeachment bill soon,” said Hwang Un-ha, an opposition MP.
In a televised address, President Yoon defended his decision, claiming martial law was necessary to protect South Korea from threats posed by North Korea and pro-North anti-state groups. However, he provided no specific evidence of these threats. Within hours, South Korea’s parliament passed a motion calling for the immediate lifting of martial law. The motion was supported by 190 of the 300 lawmakers, including members of Yoon’s own party. Following this, Yoon rescinded the martial law declaration.
The decision to impose martial law marked a dramatic escalation, with South Korea’s military announcing that political activities would be banned and media outlets would be controlled by martial law authorities. In response, parliamentary aides reportedly used fire extinguishers to push back soldiers.
The political crisis triggered widespread concern, both domestically and internationally. South Korea’s largest union coalition, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, announced that thousands of its members would strike until Yoon resigned. In financial markets, South Korean stocks fell by around 2%, while the Korean won traded at a two-year low.
The crisis also prompted the resignation of South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who took full responsibility for the turmoil caused by the martial law declaration.
With growing pressure on President Yoon, opposition leaders, including Democratic Party member Park Chan-dae, argued that even though martial law had been lifted, Yoon should still face impeachment for his actions. “He should step down,” said Park.
If the impeachment motion is passed by more than two-thirds of the National Assembly, a trial will be held by the Constitutional Court, which can confirm the impeachment with a majority vote. Yoon’s People Power Party controls 108 seats in the 300-member legislature, but opposition parties now hold a commanding majority.