South Korean citizens demand President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment after martial law revoked

Thousands of South Korean citizens have called for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment after the National Assembly unanimously voted to revoke his martial law declaration early Wednesday. Demonstrators in Seoul and other cities denounced the declaration as an undemocratic overreach, demanding accountability for what many see as an abuse of power. The crisis erupted late Tuesday when Yoon declared martial law at 10:30 p.m., prompting immediate outrage. Protesters gathered at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, chanting slogans condemning the president. By 1 a.m. on 4 December, the Assembly passed a resolution declaring the martial law “null and void,” with all 190 members present supporting the measure. Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo called for the immediate withdrawal of military forces from the premises. Television footage later showed soldiers departing the area.

Bipartisan condemnation

The repeal of martial law united lawmakers across party lines. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), vowed to remain at the Assembly until Yoon rescinded the order. “We will protect our country’s democracy, public safety, and the lives of our citizens with our own lives,” Lee said in a televised statement. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), issued a public apology following the vote. “As the head of the ruling party, I deeply regret that this incident occurred. The people and parliament have made their stance clear,” Han said, pledging to prevent such a situation from recurring. Despite the bipartisan action, the public’s anger remained palpable. Demonstrators outside the Assembly cheered the vote but continued to demand Yoon’s impeachment. “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol,” chanted the crowd. Protesters alleged that the martial law declaration revealed Yoon’s unfitness to lead.

Gwangju leads protests

In Gwangju, a city with a storied history of pro-democracy activism, a coalition of nine organisations, operating under the name "Committee for the Expulsion of Yoon Suk Yeol," mobilised swiftly. The coalition released a scathing statement, declaring, “Yoon Suk Yeol is no longer the president of South Korea. We urge the military and police not to obey the unjust orders of dictator Yoon Suk Yeol.” The group announced a mass rally for 9 a.m. on 4 December at May 18 Democracy Plaza, urging residents to join in opposing what they called Yoon’s “destruction of democracy.” “Let us defend the democratic republic of Korea, built and protected through bloodshed,” the statement read, invoking the legacy of Gwangju’s 1980 pro-democracy movement.

Growing discontent nationwide

Protests against Yoon’s actions have surged nationwide. Demonstrators in Seoul, Gwangju, and other cities accuse the president of violating constitutional principles. “This is outrageous. I cannot understand why martial law was suddenly declared,” a 42-year-old Seoul resident surnamed Kim told The Korea Herald. “He must be held accountable for this unprecedented act.” Political analysts suggest the push for impeachment could gain traction if public sentiment continues to intensify. Opposition parties have already pledged to investigate the reasons behind the martial law declaration. As protests swell, calls for President Yoon’s removal grow louder. Demonstrators and lawmakers alike argue that protecting South Korea’s democracy demands swift and decisive action.