ALBAWABA - On Saturday, South Korea's National Assembly impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol for his attempt to declare martial law earlier this month, sparking uproar and dividing his party. Although Yoon remains in office pending a Constitutional Court determination, his powers have been suspended.
After the legislative vote, Yoon said, “I will never surrender,” and announced his resignation. “I take all criticism and encouragement to heart and will dedicate myself to the nation until my last moment,” he stated. Yoon urged government authorities to maintain stability during his “temporary” presidency pause.
Impeachment was approved with 204 votes, 85 against, and 11 abstentions or invalid ballots. The 300-member assembly's main opposition parties and some members from Yoon's People Power Party exceeded the two-thirds threshold for the resolution.
Han Duck-soo, Yoon's prime minister, will be acting president. After the vote, Han said, “I will do my best to ensure the smooth functioning of the administration.”
Opposition Democratic Party leader Park Chan-dae called the impeachment “a victory for democracy and the will of the people.” Thousands of protesters waited outside the National Assembly and cheered when the measure passed.
The impeachment follows Yoon's controversial proposal to declare martial law to quell political turmoil earlier this month. The move was scrapped within hours when lawmakers broke through military and police roadblocks to vote against it. The effort caused a constitutional crisis and widespread calls for Yoon's resignation.
The Constitutional Court will decide whether to reinstate Yoon or sustain his impeachment. If the court removes Yoon or he resigns, South Korea must organize a presidential election within 60 days.
Yoon faces impeachment and a sedition investigation for his martial law effort. The government has banned him from leaving. Yoon said earlier this week that he would “fight until the end” to defend his actions, which he said were required to overcome parliamentary deadlock and maintain South Korea's democracy.
