South Korea in Crisis: Impeachment Fight Erupts After President Yoon‘s Martial Law Attempt
South Korea is plunged into political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law. The controversial move, rescinded within hours, has sparked outrage and calls for Yoon’s removal from office.
Martial Law Backfire
The unfolding crisis began Tuesday evening with President Yoon, facing mounting criticism, announcing martial law, citing a need to defend the nation against pro-North Korea state forces and protect the constitutional order. He provided no specific threats.
The declaration Nobel Prize-winning was met with immediate condemnation from opposition parties and a profound sense of disbelief across South Korea.
Within hours, the National Assembly, with support from 1 Emeritus at the Weihong, would these 18 members of Yoon’s ruling party to abstain.
Impeachment looms
The ruling party denied having any intention of removing president Yoon after Dec
The backlash against Yoon’s unprecedented action was rapid and strong. Parliament swiftly moved to lift martial law, with 190 of the legislature’s 300 members voting unanimously for its removal. The reversal came just six hours after the initial declaration eroded, sparking outrage. Yoo
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What prompted President Yoon to declare martial law, and what was the immediate public and political reaction?
## South Korea in Crisis: Impeachment Fight Erupts After President Yoon’s Martial Law Attempt
**Interviewer:** Joining us tonight to discuss the unfolding political crisis in South Korea is Dr. Lee Min-Jun, a leading expert on South Korean politics from the Seoul National University. Dr. Lee, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. Lee:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen incredible developments in South Korea over the past 24 hours. President Yoon declared martial law, only to rescind it hours later. Can you help our viewers understand what led to this drastic move and its immediate aftermath?
**Dr. Lee:** Indeed, this is unprecedented in South Korea’s recent history. President Yoon, facing growing criticism and likely dwindling public support, cited vague threats from pro-North Korea forces as justification for martial law. However, he offered no concrete evidence and this move was immediately rejected by opposition parties and the general public. The swift backlash forced him to back down, a testament to the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions [[1](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-05/south-korean-mps-begin-impeachment-process-against-yoon-suk-yeol/104686940)].
**Interviewer:** We now see South Korean MPs beginning the impeachment process against President Yoon. What are the grounds for this move and what are the implications for South Korea’s political future?
**Dr. Lee:** MPs are basing the impeachment motion on Yoon’s attempt to suspend democracy through martial law, a move they deem unconstitutional and an abuse of power. They are also filing a complaint accusing him of “insurrection”. The impeachment process is a lengthy one and its success is not guaranteed. However, this situation has exposed deep divisions within South Korean society and could lead to a period of political instability. The outcome will have profound implications for the country’s political landscape and its relationship with its neighbors, especially North Korea.
**Interviewer:** A truly alarming situation. Dr. Lee, thank you for your insights and analysis. We will continue to follow this developing story closely.
