South Korean lawmakers have impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial attempt to impose martial law, which triggered widespread protests nationwide.
The impeachment motion passed after some members of Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP) joined the opposition in voting against him. However, the decision still awaits confirmation from the constitutional court.
Thousands of demonstrators celebrated outside the National Assembly on Saturday night, cheering as fireworks lit up the sky. Yoon, suspended from his duties, called the vote a “temporary pause” in his presidency and vowed to persevere, stating, “I will never give up.”
Yoon’s stance marks a shift from his earlier apology for the martial law declaration, which he claimed was intended to counter alleged North Korean interference. However, the military rule declaration was overturned within hours by lawmakers.
Public opinion strongly supports Yoon’s impeachment, with recent polls showing that three-quarters of South Koreans favored his removal. After intense public pressure, the PPP allowed its lawmakers to vote freely on the motion, leading to its passage with a two-thirds majority, as 12 PPP members broke ranks to support the motion.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, a member of the opposition Democratic Party, addressed the nation following the vote: “We hope this result brings some joy to your year-end celebrations. The future of Korea rests in the hands of its people.”
The constitutional court now has up to 180 days to decide whether to uphold the impeachment. If the court rules in favor, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president, pledging to stabilize the nation.
Both Han and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, next in line for the presidency, are under police investigation related to last week’s events.
In Seoul, jubilant anti-Yoon protesters hailed the vote as a win for democracy. “I’m so happy, but the fight isn’t over,” said Sim Hee-seon, a protester. Others carried festive signs reading, “A Merry Christmas only if Yoon Suk Yeol disappears.”
At a pro-Yoon rally in Gwanghwamun Square, the mood was somber, with supporters expressing anger and disbelief at the outcome.
Yoon’s impeachment follows weeks of political turmoil ignited by his failed martial law declaration, ostensibly aimed at thwarting “anti-state forces” but widely seen as a response to his domestic struggles. The backlash included lawmakers physically forcing their way into the chamber to overturn the declaration.
This marks the second time in South Korea’s history that a president faces impeachment, following the ousting of former president Park Geun-hye in 2016. Ironically, Yoon, a prosecutor at the time, had led the investigation that resulted in Park’s impeachment.
