South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment proceedings following his controversial attempt to impose martial law.
On Tuesday, December 3, Yoon declared a brief martial law order that sparked significant political unrest in the country. However, the move was quickly reversed after a confrontation with parliament, which rejected his bid to curtail political activity and censor the media.
Yoon, who assumed office in 2022, now faces an uncertain political future as opposition lawmakers initiate impeachment proceedings.
On Wednesday, representatives from six opposition parties, including the main Democratic Party, announced they had urgently prepared and submitted an impeachment motion against the President.
“We can no longer allow democracy to collapse. The lives and safety of the people must be protected,” said Kim Yong-jin, a member of the Democratic Party’s central committee.
The opposition indicated that the impeachment vote could take place as early as Friday. They have also accused Yoon of “crimes of rebellion” and named Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min as co-conspirators in the martial law declaration.
Despite the political turmoil, schools, banks, and government offices in Seoul remain operational. However, protests continue to spread across the city.
