SEOUL, South Korea — The political landscape in South Korea is in turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law last week, a move that has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for impeachment. Political parties remain locked in fierce debate over whether to impeach Yoon, with the president defending his actions as a “highly political decision.”
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Impeachment Proceedings Intensify
A second impeachment vote is set for Saturday after the first attempt over the weekend ended with lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party walking out in protest. The unprecedented declaration of martial law has drawn widespread condemnation across political, social, and generational lines.
“It was an unthinkable, unimaginable situation,” said Seo Jungkun, a professor at Kyunghee University in Seoul. “President Yoon attempted to suspend the functions of the national assembly. He ordered the removal of lawmakers, therefore he could be charged with treason,” Seo explained, referencing testimony from Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-geun, who oversaw the deployment of special forces to the National Assembly.
Under South Korea’s constitution, a sitting president accused of insurrection can be arrested while in office, further escalating the stakes for Yoon.
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Yoon Defends Actions Amid Mounting Pressure
In a surprise speech on Thursday, Yoon vowed to “fight until the last moment,” asserting that his intent was not to disrupt the constitutional order but to expose what he described as the opposition’s “anti-state behavior.”
“My purpose was to inform the public about the colossal group of opposition parties’ heinous anti-state behavior,” Yoon stated, referring to the events of December 3, when troops were sent into the National Assembly.
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A Polarized Political Environment
Yoon’s administration has been mired in deadlock since he assumed office in 2022, largely due to continuous impeachment efforts by the opposition Democratic Party. The opposition has also impeached multiple prosecutors and judges involved in cases against its leader, Lee Jae-myung, who faces trials on charges including corruption, bribery, and illegal transfers of funds to North Korea.
Political analysts suggest the Democratic Party’s aggressive stance aims to shield Lee, as a criminal conviction would render him ineligible to run for the presidency. If elected president, Lee would gain immunity from prosecution under South Korean law.
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Ruling Party Divisions and Impeachment Challenges
President Yoon faces growing divisions within his own People Power Party. Party leader Han Dong-Hoon has openly supported impeachment, stating, “There is no other way.” However, other lawmakers have pushed back, arguing it is premature to define Yoon’s actions as insurrection.
Last Saturday, all but three ruling party lawmakers abstained from the impeachment vote. The upcoming vote is expected to be closely contested.
If Yoon is impeached, he will be immediately suspended from office. However, the Constitutional Court, which must decide on reinstatement or removal, currently lacks the quorum of seven judges required for a ruling.
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Constitutional Court Likely to Dismiss Case
Dr. Lee Junhan of Incheon National University predicts the Constitutional Court may ultimately dismiss the case if it remains staffed with only six judges. “Based on past cases, the judges are likely to rule that there were problematic actions but not precisely unconstitutional, which will lead to no impeachment,” Lee said. “And this is what the president is aiming for.”
Public Sentiment and the Road Ahead
Public sentiment remains volatile, with widespread criticism of the martial law declaration. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Min-seok has called Yoon’s speech a “declaration of war against the nation,” further intensifying tensions.
As South Korea awaits the outcome of Saturday’s impeachment vote, the nation stands at a critical juncture, navigating political uncertainty and deepening divides.
