South Korean opposition parties have submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he declared martial law only to reverse the move hours later. This action ignited a political crisis in the country, with troops entering the National Assembly building as politicians clashed with security forces. The parliament rejected President Yoon’s attempt to ban political activity and censor the media, leading to calls for his impeachment.
The Swedish prime minister postponed his visit to South Korea, and the parliament is focusing on suspending the president’s business to pass an impeachment bill quickly. The opposition party members are preparing for a vote as early as Friday to impeach President Yoon.
Thousands of protesters rallied outside the National Assembly, demanding President Yoon’s resignation. Stocks opened down around 2% in South Korea, and the won plunged to a two-year low amidst the political turmoil. President Yoon’s decision to declare martial law without full party support led to his cabinet members filing to resign. The opposition parties are calling for his resignation or impeachment.
If the impeachment bill passes with a two-thirds majority in parliament, the legal process could take a few months. President Yoon’s actions have caused international alarm, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcoming the rescinding of the martial law declaration. South Korea, a democracy since the 1980s, faces political instability and uncertainty as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this crisis.
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Photo credit news.sky.com
