Lawmakers set to vote on impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol

A motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial martial law declaration has been reported to South Korea’s National Assembly, setting the stage for a vote by 8 December 2023.

Backed by 190 opposition lawmakers and one independent, the motion accuses Yoon of violating constitutional principles and legal statutes.

Amid escalating political tension, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun on 5 December. The decision followed revelations that Kim had advised the president to declare martial law on 4 December, a move that drew immediate public and political condemnation.

Calls for Kim to face treason charges have intensified, with the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) announcing plans to file a criminal complaint.

“The DPK will punish the unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law of the Yoon administration… We urge law enforcement agencies to immediately launch an investigation into the treason case that the entire nation is now aware of and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Jo Seoung-lae, the party’s spokesperson.

In his first official act since rescinding the martial law order early on 5 December, Yoon nominated Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a former army general, to replace Kim as defence minister.

The martial law declaration, which imposed strict media controls, banned protests, and granted extensive powers to the military, was rescinded hours after being issued. It provoked widespread condemnation and was swiftly overturned by a parliamentary resolution.

The DPK denounced the declaration as “treasonous,” asserting that it violated fundamental constitutional principles, including popular sovereignty and the separation of powers. The impeachment motion, formally introduced to the National Assembly on 5 December, reflects these concerns.

Under parliamentary rules, the motion must be voted on within 72 hours, making 8 December the latest possible date. For the motion to pass, two-thirds of the 300-member assembly must support it. With 192 opposition-aligned lawmakers, at least eight members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) must vote in favour.

If approved, Yoon’s presidential duties would be suspended immediately, pending a Constitutional Court review.

President Yoon has defended the martial law declaration, claiming it was necessary to counteract what he described as the DPK’s “reckless impeachment actions.”

However, dissent within the PPP has grown, with Rep. Jeong Sung-kook criticising the administration for being “out of touch” with public sentiment.

The opposition has expanded its demands beyond Kim’s resignation, calling for a broader cabinet reshuffle.

Allegations that a special task force under the Capital Defence Command had plans to detain opposition leaders during the martial law period have deepened political divisions.

If the impeachment motion passes, Yoon would become the second South Korean president to face suspension from office, following Park Geun-hye in 2016.

The impeachment vote represents a critical juncture in South Korea’s political history, with the outcome likely to shape the nation’s leadership and governance for years to come.