South Korea’s political turmoil deepened on Friday as Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, declared impeachment as the most effective solution to the country’s ongoing constitutional crisis. His remarks come a day before a critical parliamentary vote on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial decision to impose, and swiftly rescind, martial law.
President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, which lasted only six hours, has drawn widespread condemnation, plunging the nation into chaos and raising calls for his resignation. Critics accuse Yoon of violating constitutional law and abusing his authority, creating unprecedented instability in the country.
On Thursday, Yoon doubled down on his defiance, vowing to “fight to the end.” He accused the opposition of paralysing the government and linked his party’s defeat in April’s parliamentary elections to an alleged North Korean cyberattack on the National Election Commission (NEC). However, Yoon provided no evidence to support these claims.
The opposition dismissed Yoon’s statements as inflammatory and baseless. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung described them as “a declaration of war” against the people, further solidifying his stance that impeachment is necessary to restore order. “It proved that impeachment is the fastest and most effective way to end the confusion,” Lee stated.
Last Saturday, Yoon narrowly survived an initial impeachment vote after most members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the proceedings. Since then, at least seven PPP lawmakers have broken ranks, publicly expressing support for impeachment. Opposition parties, which hold a majority in the single-chamber parliament, are now pushing for a second vote, scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. (0800 GMT). To pass the impeachment motion, they will need at least eight PPP lawmakers to join them in securing the two-thirds majority required.
Lee has called on opposition lawmakers to act decisively. “History will remember and record your decision,” he urged.
If the impeachment motion passes, the case will be sent to South Korea’s Constitutional Court, which has up to six months to either remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.
Adding to the controversy, Yoon claimed on Thursday that a North Korean hack last year might have compromised the NEC’s computer systems, undermining the integrity of the April elections. This accusation has been met with skepticism and pushback.
Kim Yong-bin, Secretary General of the NEC, refuted Yoon’s claims on Friday, emphasising that South Korea’s voting system relies entirely on paper ballots, making cyber manipulation impossible. He noted that courts have dismissed all 216 claims of election irregularities as groundless.
Beyond the impeachment battle, Yoon is facing a criminal investigation for alleged insurrection related to his brief imposition of martial law. This adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama.
As the impeachment vote approaches, South Korea remains on edge, with its democracy and constitutional integrity under intense scrutiny. The outcome will not only determine Yoon’s political fate but also set a precedent for accountability in the nation’s highest office.
Melissa Enoch
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