South Korea in Turmoil After Martial Law Declaration: Impeachment Vote Set for Saturday

South Korea in Turmoil After Martial Law Declaration: Impeachment Vote Set for Saturday

Tokyo: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol faces mounting political pressure and a looming impeachment vote after his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week. On Tuesday, Yoon deployed heavily armed troops onto the streets of Seoul, evoking memories of the country’s dark history of military rule.

In response, lawmakers have initiated impeachment proceedings against the president. On Thursday, the South Korean parliament unanimously voted to repeal the martial law, deeming it unconstitutional. Opposition parties are set to vote on the impeachment proposal on Saturday, which requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-member National Assembly to pass.

In a surprising turn, ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon voiced support for suspending President Yoon's powers. Han alleged that Yoon directed the defense intelligence chief to arrest several key politicians during the martial law declaration.

Mass Protests and Strikes
The declaration has triggered widespread protests, with thousands taking to the streets of Seoul to demand Yoon’s resignation. Labor unions have launched hour-long work stoppages in solidarity with the demonstrators.

Controversy Over Martial Law
Under South Korea's constitution, martial law can only be declared in the event of war or a national emergency. Lawmakers have denounced Yoon’s actions as illegal and unconstitutional. On Thursday, a parliamentary vote to annul the martial law passed 190-0, with 18 members of Yoon's own ruling party supporting the repeal.

A Presidency in Crisis
Since taking office, Yoon has struggled to govern effectively, hindered by an opposition-controlled parliament. He has also faced allegations of corruption and abuse of power in recent months.

The debate over martial law holds particular significance in South Korea, where memories of military rule remain vivid. From the 1961 coup to the 1987 democratic movement, the country’s history has been marked by struggles against authoritarianism.

If the impeachment proposal passes, Yoon will be temporarily suspended from his duties, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming interim leadership. The suspension would remain in effect until a decision is rendered by the Constitutional Court.

South Korea’s political crisis has now reached a critical juncture, with the outcome of Saturday’s vote likely to shape the nation’s democratic future.