South Korea’s governing party chief expressed support Friday for suspending the constitutional powers of President Yoon Suk Yeol for imposing martial law this week, in a bombshell reversal that makes Yoon’s impeachment more likely. Opposing parties are pushing for a parliamentary vote on Yoon’s impeachment on Saturday, calling his short-lived martial law declaration an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” The turmoil resulting from Yoon’s nighttime martial law decree has frozen South Korean politics and caused worry among neighbors, including fellow democracy Japan, and Seoul’s top ally, the United States, as one of the strongest democracies in Asia faces a political crisis that could unseat its leader.
During a party meeting, PPP leader Han Dong-hun stressed the need to suspend Yoon’s presidential duties and power swiftly, saying he poses a “significant risk of extreme actions, like reattempting to impose martial law, which could potentially put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger.” Han said he had received intelligence that Yoon had ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest and detain unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities” when martial law was in force.
Thousands of protesters have marched in the streets of Seoul since Wednesday, calling for Yoon to resign and be investigated. Thousands of autoworkers and other members of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union, one of the country’s biggest umbrella labor groups, have started hourly strikes since Thursday to protest Yoon. The union said its members will start on indefinite strikes beginning on Dec. 11 if Yoon was still in office then.
Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho promised the ministry’s “active cooperation” with an investigation by prosecutors into the military’s role in Yoon’s martial law enforcement. He said military prosecutors will also be involved in the investigation. He denied media speculation that Yoon and his military confidantes might consider imposing martial law a second time.
Opposition parties and Han allege that it was Kim Yong Hyun who recommended that Yoon declare martial law. During a parliamentary hearing on Thursday, Kim Seon Ho said Kim Yong Hyun also ordered troops to be deployed to the National Assembly after Yoon imposed martial law.
Conclusion:
The situation in South Korea is unprecedented, with the president’s powers being suspended and a parliamentary vote on his impeachment looming. The country is facing a political crisis that could unseat its leader and have far-reaching consequences for its politics and international relations.
FAQs:
Q: Why did Yoon declare martial law?
A: Yoon declared martial law to impose emergency measures to maintain public order and stability in the face of rising protests and civil unrest.
Q: Why is Yoon’s impeachment being considered?
A: Yoon’s impeachment is being considered due to allegations that he overstepped his powers by declaring martial law without consulting the National Assembly, and that he poses a significant risk of extreme actions that could harm the country and its citizens.
Q: What is the current situation in South Korea?
A: The current situation in South Korea is one of political uncertainty, with the president’s powers being suspended and a parliamentary vote on his impeachment looming. Thousands of protesters have marched in the streets of Seoul, calling for Yoon to resign and be investigated.
Q: What is the international community’s response to the situation?
A: The international community, including the United States and Japan, has expressed concern and criticism of Yoon’s actions, calling for calm and peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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