In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean lawmakers have initiated impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial and sudden declaration of martial law, which was swiftly overturned after intense opposition from both Parliament and the public.
Yoon’s martial law declaration, announced late on Tuesday, cited the need to safeguard the country from “North Korea’s communist forces” and to “eliminate anti-state elements.” However, the president’s decision, which harkened back to South Korea’s military-backed past, faced immediate resistance. Within hours, a majority of the National Assembly MPs gathered to block the declaration, voting down the move in a resounding 190-0 vote. MPs from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party also sided with the opposition, including 18 of his own party members, highlighting growing discontent within his ranks.
The dramatic scenes at the National Assembly saw MPs defy barricades, climb fences, and confront police officers to reach the parliamentary halls and vote on the matter. Outside the building, protesters clashed with law enforcement while demanding the repeal of the martial law order. In a rare sight, troops in full battle gear and military helicopters were deployed around the parliament, attempting to maintain control and prevent further unrest. Despite the heavy presence of military personnel, no major violence was reported.
Around 4:30 a.m., the martial law decree was formally rescinded during a Cabinet meeting, signaling a swift reversal. The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat National Assembly, condemned the martial law as unconstitutional, calling it a “grave violation” of South Korea’s constitution and an act of rebellion. The party announced it would push for Yoon’s impeachment if he did not step down immediately.
In a statement, the Democratic Party emphasised the urgency of Yoon’s resignation, saying, “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.” To impeach Yoon, the opposition would need two-thirds of the parliament’s support, or 200 votes. Currently, the opposition and smaller parties have 192 seats.
Yoon’s decision to invoke martial law is the first such instance in over four decades, reviving memories of the military-backed governments that had previously imposed martial law to suppress anti-government demonstrations. South Korea had emerged from military rule in the late 1980s and established a democratic government. The martial law declaration, which included a military presence on the streets and combat troops surrounding the National Assembly, was widely seen as an extreme measure, and many questioned whether the country was truly in a state of emergency.
Following the parliamentary vote, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik remarked on the significance of the events, noting that despite the troubling history of military coups in South Korea, the response of citizens and the military showed a maturity in the country’s democratic process.
Meanwhile, Yoon’s ruling People Power Party leader, Han Dong-hun, has demanded an explanation for the decision and called for the firing of Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who is believed to have recommended the martial law decree. The Ministry of Defense has yet to comment on the matter.
In the wake of the political crisis, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has called for patience, urging government officials to continue fulfilling their duties. The incident has sparked a nationwide debate over the use of military force in the absence of clear threats and the delicate balance of power within South Korea’s democratic system.
The sudden reversal of the martial law order has also raised questions about the country’s constitutional framework. According to South Korea’s constitution, the president is allowed to declare martial law only in times of “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states.” With no immediate external threats on the horizon, many observers are left wondering whether the declaration was a reckless overstep by Yoon’s administration or a politically motivated attempt to consolidate power during a turbulent period in the country’s leadership.
Chioma Kalu
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