South Korea’s President Impeachment Motion
South Korea’s opposition parties have submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over the shocking and short-lived martial law that drew heavily armed troops to encircle the parliament before lawmakers climbed walls to reenter the building and unanimously voted to lift his order.
Impeaching Yoon would require the support of two-thirds of the parliament, and at least six justices of the nine-member Constitutional Court would have to endorse it to remove him from office. The motion, submitted jointly by the main liberal opposition Democratic Party and five smaller opposition parties, could be put to a vote as early as Friday.
Yoon’s senior policy advisers and Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun offered to resign as the nation struggles to make sense of what appeared to be a poorly-thought-out stunt. The Democratic Party has also submitted a separate motion to impeach Kim, who it alleged recommended the martial law declaration to Yoon.
What Happens if Yoon is Impeached?
Impeaching Yoon would require support from 200 of the National Assembly’s 300 members. The Democratic Party and other small opposition parties together have 192 seats. But the rejection of Yoon’s martial law declaration in a 190-0 vote included the votes of 18 lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party, according to National Assembly officials. PPP leader Han Dong-hun and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, also a member, criticized Yoon’s martial law declaration.
Cho Jinman, a professor at Seoul’s Duksung Women’s University, said it’s highly likely that lawmakers will back Yoon’s impeachment motion given that some from the ruling party already voted down his edict.
Dramatic Hours at the Parliament
After Yoon’s declaration, troops carrying full battle gear, including assault rifles, tried to keep protesters away from the National Assembly as military helicopters flew overhead and landed nearby. One soldier pointed his assault rifle at a woman who was among protesters outside the building demanding that the martial law be lifted.
It wasn’t clear how the 190 lawmakers were able to enter a parliamentary hall to vote down Yoon’s martial law decree. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik were seen climbing over walls. As troops and police officers blocked some from entering, they didn’t aggressively restrain or use force against others.
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Conclusion
The fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol hangs in the balance as opposition parties submit a motion to impeach him over the imposition of martial law. With the support of two-thirds of the parliament and at least six justices of the Constitutional Court, Yoon’s removal from office is possible.
FAQs
Q: What is the procedure for impeaching a president in South Korea?
A: Impeaching a president in South Korea requires the support of two-thirds of the parliament and at least six justices of the nine-member Constitutional Court.
Q: What is the current situation in South Korea?
A: The country is currently in a state of political crisis, with opposition parties seeking to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over the imposition of martial law.
Q: What is the mood in the streets of Seoul?
A: Despite the crisis, the streets of Seoul seem busy as usual, with tourists and locals going about their daily business.
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