South Korean Parliament Launches Impeachment Against President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Attempt

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment proceedings following his failed attempt to impose martial law, which plunged the nation into political chaos.

On Tuesday, December 3, President Yoon declared martial law, seeking to ban political activity and censor the media. However, his move sparked a fierce backlash, leading to a standoff with parliament. Hours later, Yoon was forced to rescind the order.

Opposition lawmakers have responded by initiating impeachment proceedings, casting doubt on Yoon’s political future. “We’ve submitted an impeachment motion prepared urgently,” announced representatives from six opposition parties, including the main Democratic Party, during a live press briefing on Wednesday. They indicated that a vote on the motion could take place as soon as Friday.

Kim Yong-jin, a member of the Democratic Party’s central committee, emphasized the stakes: “We can no longer allow democracy to collapse. The lives and safety of the people must be protected.” The party also accused Yoon of “crimes of rebellion” and named Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min as key participants in the martial law declaration, calling for their prosecution alongside Yoon.

While daily life in Seoul, including schools, banks, and government offices, remains unaffected, widespread protests continue to reverberate throughout the city.

Elected in 2022, President Yoon now faces a highly uncertain future as South Korea’s political crisis deepens.