Yoon’s impeachment vote nears amid martial law arrest orders and allegations of power abuse

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is on the brink of impeachment following explosive revelations that he ordered arrests of political opponents during a brief period of martial law.

Allegations of abusing emergency powers to protect himself and First Lady Kim Keon Hee from legal scrutiny have intensified the crisis, with some lawmakers warning of further radical actions.

The controversy began on 4 December when Yoon declared martial law, shocking the nation.

Under this order, he instructed Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung to detain opposition figures branded as “anti-state” forces.

Intelligence agencies were reportedly mobilized to carry out these arrests, according to Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), as reported by Yonhap.

“Given the newly revealed facts, I believe it is necessary to promptly suspend President Yoon Suk Yeol from his duties to protect the Republic of Korea and its people,” Han stated during an emergency party meeting at the National Assembly.

Opposition predicts second state of emergency

Rep. Kim Min-seok, a senior member of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), has raised concerns that Yoon may attempt to declare a second state of emergency. Speaking on CBS Radio’s Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show on 5 December, Kim said he was “100 percent certain” that another martial law declaration could occur.

Kim accused Yoon of using ideological rhetoric as a pretext to protect himself and his wife from legal repercussions. “The anti-state rhetoric is merely an ideological façade,” he stated. “In reality, it’s about preventing Kim Keon Hee from going to jail and shielding himself from prosecution. This is their strongest survival instinct.”

Kim had previously warned in August about the possibility of martial law, a prediction that proved accurate. His latest remarks have further heightened fears of Yoon’s potential misuse of power.

Impeachment process gains momentum

The DPK has spearheaded an impeachment motion, scheduled for a vote on 7 December.

The motion, co-sponsored by 190 lawmakers from six opposition parties, requires a two-thirds majority to pass. While the PPP initially opposed the measure, internal divisions have emerged.

Rep. Cho Kyoung-tae, a six-term PPP member, publicly expressed support for Yoon’s impeachment, citing the president’s “radical actions” as a threat to the nation.

The PPP’s leadership is set to convene an emergency meeting, but cracks in party unity have already surfaced. Observers believe more members may defect as pressure mounts to address the growing political crisis.

Public discontent grows as approval ratings plummet

Yoon’s approval ratings have hit a record low, with a Gallup poll conducted from 3 to 5 December showing only 13 percent of respondents viewing his presidency favourably.

Negative assessments reached 75 percent, driven by dissatisfaction with Yoon’s handling of the martial law episode and broader economic concerns.

Support for the PPP also dropped by five percentage points to 27 percent, while the DPK’s approval rose to 37 percent, reflecting public frustration with the ruling party’s handling of the crisis.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law, though rescinded after less than 12 hours, has left lasting political scars.

Following unanimous rejection by the National Assembly, Yoon announced the withdrawal of martial law forces on 5 December, stating, “I will accept the National Assembly’s demand and lift martial law through a cabinet meeting.”

However, the president’s actions, including reported plans to target political opponents, have drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Lawmakers described the move as “unconstitutional” and a dangerous overreach of executive power.

Potential consequences and next steps

If the impeachment motion passes, Yoon will be suspended from office, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume interim leadership. The Constitutional Court will then review the case, a process that could take up to six months.

Political analysts warn that even if Yoon survives impeachment, his presidency has been irreparably damaged. Allegations of using martial law to shield personal interests, combined with public outrage over his leadership, have undermined confidence in both Yoon and the ruling PPP.