South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently declared martial law in a surprise late-night address, citing the need to protect the country from “North Korea’s communist forces” and to eliminate “anti-state elements.”
This decision led to immediate backlash and unrest, with the National Assembly voting to defy the president’s order.
“We’ve submitted an impeachment motion prepared urgently,” representatives for six opposition parties including the main Democratic party said on Wednesday, adding they would discuss when to put it to a vote, but it could come as soon as Friday.
“President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution. It didn’t abide by any requirements to declare it,” the Democratic party said in a statement. “His martial law declaration was originally invalid and a grave violation of the constitution. It was a grave act of rebellion and provides perfect grounds for his impeachment.”
The situation escalated as protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, and some lawmakers even scaled the perimeter walls to vote against the martial law declaration. Under intense pressure, President Yoon lifted the martial law order and withdrew the troops.
The incident has sparked calls for President Yoon’s impeachment, with opposition politicians filing a motion that could be put to a vote soon. The political turmoil has drawn significant international attention, with concerns about the stability of South Korea’s democracy and the potential for North Korea to exploit the situation.
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