Key Takeaways:
– Parliament votes to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his martial law decree.
– The decision results in a suspension of Yoon’s presidential powers with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo taking over.
– The Constitutional Court has six months to decide Yoon’s fate. If dismissed, a national election must take place within 60 days.
– The impeachment comes amid falling approval ratings for Yoon and growing public protests.
Impeachment Challenged Yoon’s Martial Law Decree
The South Korean Parliament made a historic move to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday. This comes after his martial law decree caused a stir nationally, leading to days of political instability. An overwhelming majority in the National Assembly, 204 to 85, supported the impeachment motion. Consequently, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, South Korea’s second-most powerful official, assumed presidential powers on Saturday.
As the country awaits the final decision regarding Yoon’s presidential status, celebrations erupted nationwide. Demonstrators waved banners in support of the country’s persistently robust democracy as the decision marks a key moment in South Korean political history.
Interim Leader Works to Restore Stability
Subsequent to Yoon’s impeachment, Prime Minister Han took proactive steps to ensure stability in the country. Han ordered increased military security to avoid potential provocations from North Korea, prompted by a political miscalculation. In addition to internal security measures, Han directed the foreign minister to reassure other countries about the continuation of South Korea’s main external policies.
Notably, Han has also instructed the finance minister to devise strategies that could minimize potential negative impacts on the South Korean economy amidst political uncertainty.
Assessing the Impact of Yoon’s Martial Law Decree
President Yoon faced immense backlash over his martial law imposition on December 3rd. Although the law only lasted six hours, it resulted in significant political turmoil characterized by halted diplomatic activities and shaken financial markets. After the parliament voted unanimously to revoke it, Yoon had no choice but to lift the decree.
Following the impeachment, Yoon issued a statement vowing to “never give up”. He encouraged stability within government functions and promised to continue his service to the country during this “temporary” pause of his presidency.
Public Opinion Weighs Heavily On Impeachment Decision
Prior to Yoon’s impeachment, his approval mored at an all-time low of 11%. Public protests significantly affected his administration, leading to some lawmakers from the People Power Party declaring their support for his impeachment.
Opposition parties and experts have accused Yoon of rebellion, referencing a law that categorizes any act of staging a riot against established state authorities to undermine the constitution as rebellion.
Charges and Allegations Against Yoon
Yoon has been charged with inciting rebellion that disturbs peace in South Korea by organizing a series of riots. Critics argue his mobilization of military and police forces threatened the National Assembly and public while his martial law decree was aimed at disrupting the constitution.
Despite the accusations, Yoon has defended his martial law decree and has denied charges of rebellion.
Fallout from the Impeachment and the Path Forward
Yoon is the third South Korean president to face impeachment while in office. South Korean law allows Yoon to appeal the impeachment decision within the Constitutional Court. Although Yoon’s presidential immunity shields him from criminal prosecution, it doesn’t extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
Post impeachment, several top military and government officials, including Yoon’s defense minister, police chief, and head of Seoul’s metropolitan police agency have been arrested. Yoon himself has been banned from leaving South Korea as the impeachment proceedings continue.