SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to survive an impeachment vote after lawmakers from his ruling People Power Party boycotted Saturday’s session in parliament.
The vote, triggered by Yoon’s brief and controversial imposition of martial law earlier this week, appears poised to fail due to insufficient numbers.
In dramatic scenes at the National Assembly, opposition lawmakers shouted “Go inside!” at ruling party members who exited the chamber to avoid the vote, labelling them “cowards.”
Only one governing party lawmaker, Kim Sang-wook, returned to the chamber to cast his vote, ultimately siding against impeachment.
Kim defended his decision, telling reporters, “While I do not believe President Yoon qualifies as a president, I voted against the motion in accordance with my party’s opinion. I want to believe in his words and his apology.”
The next opportunity to vote on the impeachment motion will come on Wednesday, December 11.
Martial Law Sparks Political Turmoil
The political crisis began late Tuesday when Yoon declared martial law in a surprise televised address.
Accusing the opposition Democratic Party of “anti-state activities” and sympathizing with North Korea, Yoon cited the party’s efforts to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal as justification.
The move shocked a nation that remains scarred by memories of military rule in the 1980s. Lawmakers quickly forced their way past soldiers into parliament and unanimously struck down the decree within six hours.
In a two-minute address on Saturday, December 7, 2024, Yoon apologised for his actions, describing the declaration of martial law as a desperate measure.
“This emergency martial law declaration stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs,” Yoon said.
“I am deeply sorry and sincerely apologise to the citizens who must have been greatly shocked.”
Yoon vowed not to make another attempt at martial law, adding, “I will entrust my party with methods to stabilize the political situation, including the remainder of my term.”
Growing Pressure from Allies and Opponents
Despite avoiding impeachment for now, Yoon faces mounting pressure from within his own party.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, declared on Friday that Yoon’s resignation was “inevitable” and called for his suspension from office to protect the country from “grave danger.”
“It is impossible for the president to carry on his normal duties,” Han said, reflecting a significant shift in the party’s stance.
Yoon’s apology came amid revelations of a controversial arrest list he allegedly discussed during the martial law period.
According to lawmakers briefed on the situation, Yoon directed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to “arrest and clean everything up,” granting it authority to launch counter-intelligence probes with unlimited resources.
The list reportedly included opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and ruling party members, including Han himself.
The details were confirmed by NIS Deputy Director Hong Jang-won, who reportedly called the plan “crazy.”
Protests and Public Outrage
The martial law decree has ignited widespread protests, with citizens from both ends of the political spectrum rallying outside the National Assembly.
Supporters of Yoon held signs calling for the arrest of opposition figures, while critics demanded his immediate resignation.
The fallout from Yoon’s actions has left South Korea in political chaos.
Even if he survives the impeachment process, questions about his leadership and the stability of his government are likely to linger, with his party fractured and his public support wavering.
For a nation that fought hard for democracy, the past week has been a stark reminder of its fragility.
As the impeachment process unfolds, South Korea’s political future remains uncertain.
