South Korean Lawmakers Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Failed Martial Law Bid

South Korea’s President, Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by lawmakers on Saturday over his controversial attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.

The impeachment vote occurred as massive protests flooded the streets of Seoul, with demonstrators both supporting and opposing the embattled president.

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to declare martial law on December 3 had sparked widespread outrage.

Of the 300 members of parliament, 204 voted to impeach Yoon on charges of insurrection, while 85 opposed the motion.

Three lawmakers abstained, and eight votes were declared invalid.

With the impeachment passed, Yoon is now suspended from office as the Constitutional Court reviews the decision, a process that could take up to 180 days.

If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will become only the second president in South Korea’s history to be removed from office.

Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of interim leader, pledging to maintain stable governance during this critical period.

“I will devote all my strength and efforts to ensure stable governance,” he told reporters.

The impeachment required a minimum of 200 votes to pass, which meant opposition lawmakers needed to gain support from at least eight members of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP).

After the vote, the floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Park Chan-dae celebrated the outcome, saying: “Today’s impeachment is the great victory of the people.”

Protests around the vote drew massive crowds. The police said that around 200,000 people gathered outside parliament to demand Yoon’s removal.

One participant, Choi Jung-ha, expressed her optimism about the outcome, saying, “Isn’t it amazing that we, the people, have pulled this off together?

“I am 100 percent certain the Constitutional Court will side with the impeachment..” she told AFP.

On the other side of the city, around 30,000 Yoon supporters rallied near Gwanghwamun Square, waving flags and singing patriotic songs.

Choi Hee-sun, a supporter at the rally, defended Yoon’s actions, saying, “Yoon had no choice but to declare martial law. I approve of every decision he has made as president.”

The Democratic Party, which led the impeachment effort, argued that removing Yoon was essential to protect the Constitution and safeguard democracy.

Spokeswoman Hwang Jung-a stated, “This is the only way to safeguard the Constitution, the rule of law, democracy and South Korea’s future. We can no longer endure Yoon’s madness.”

Outside parliament, protesters braved freezing temperatures, receiving hand warmers, coffee, and snacks from volunteers.

Some attendees, including K-pop star Yuri of Girls’ Generation, contributed to the cause, with Yuri pre-paying for food for demonstrators.

Others brought practical support, such as buses for parents with young children.

Despite public celebrations of the impeachment, there is historical precedent for the Constitutional Court to overturn such decisions.

In 2004, the court reinstated then-President Roh Moo-hyun after parliament voted to impeach him.

The court currently has only six judges, making a unanimous decision necessary to uphold Yoon’s removal.

Parliament has pledged to appoint three additional judges quickly to ensure the process moves forward.

Meanwhile, President Yoon Suk Yeol remains defiant amid the fallout from his martial law attempt and ongoing investigations into his administration.

His approval ratings have plunged to a record low of 11 percent, with a recent Gallup Korea poll showing 75 percent of respondents supporting his impeachment.

Parliament speaker Woo Won-shik emphasized the significance of the moment, stating, “The future of South Korea lies within its people.”

KanyiDaily recalls that South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol was banned from leaving the country due to the failed martial law bid.