South Korea’s National Assembly voted decisively today to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed attempt to declare martial law, sparking celebrations throughout the country.
The impeachment motion, which passed 204-85, immediately suspended Yoon’s presidential powers, transferring authority to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the second-highest-ranking official in the government. The Constitutional Court now has up to 180 days to determine whether Yoon will be permanently removed from office, which would trigger a special election.
Reacting to the decision, Yoon dismissed the impeachment as a “temporary” disruption to his presidency and vowed to continue his fight.
“I will carry with me all the criticisms, encouragement and support directed toward me, and I will continue to do my utmost for the country until the very last moment,” Yoon said in a statement.
The impeachment follows an extraordinary chain of events just 11 days ago when Yoon declared martial law, deploying hundreds of soldiers and police officers to Parliament in an attempt to block lawmakers from overturning his decree. The motion to impeach accuses Yoon of committing acts of “rebellion that hurt peace in the Republic of Korea by staging a series of riots.”
Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won Shik characterized the impeachment as a victory for democracy, saying it reflected “the people’s ardent desire for democracy, courage and dedication.”
This was the second impeachment vote in a week, as an earlier motion failed after resistance from ruling party lawmakers. However, widespread public backlash and plummeting approval ratings forced a shift among legislators, leading to today’s outcome.
Outside Parliament, hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered to celebrate the impeachment, waving banners and glow sticks in a festive atmosphere.
“The impeachment has been done in line with the people’s demand, and I hope a decision to dismiss Yoon Suk Yeol will come as soon as possible,” said protester Kim Su-bong. “I’m very happy and moved. I view it as a victory of the people.”
US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg expressed support for South Korea’s democratic process in a statement posted on X, writing that the United States “supports South Korea’s democratic and constitutional process here and stands with its people.”
As acting president, Han has already ordered the military to strengthen its defense posture to prevent potential provocations from North Korea during the political transition. He has also reassured foreign governments that South Korea’s foreign policy commitments will remain consistent.
“I earnestly ask public servants this. At this moment, we have the critical task of ensuring normal and stable operations of state affairs … I ask you to carry out your duties without any neglect to ensure that the government is operated without being shaken,” Han said in a televised address.
While Yoon remains barred from leaving South Korea, his defense minister, police chief, and two other senior officials have been arrested for their roles in enforcing the martial law decree. Although Yoon enjoys presidential immunity from criminal prosecution, that privilege does not apply to allegations of rebellion or treason.
Yoon now joins Park Geun-hye as the second consecutive conservative president to face impeachment in South Korea. Park was removed from office in 2017.
{Matzav.com}