South Korean President Vows to Fight Amid Impeachment Threats Over Martial Law Controversy

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared on Thursday that he would “fight to the end” as his presidency faltered on the brink of impeachment following his controversial martial law declaration earlier this month.  

In a televised address, Yoon lashed out at his opponents, accusing them of undermining democracy while reiterating his commitment to face any legal or political challenges head-on. “I will fight to the end. Whether they impeach me or investigate me, I will face it all squarely.”  He said

The controversy stems from Yoon’s December 3 attempt to grant sweeping powers to the military in what he claimed was a bid to safeguard national security. The move was quickly rescinded, but it has plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades.  

The opposition Democratic Party has spearheaded efforts to impeach Yoon, and cracks within the president’s own People Power Party (PPP) are widening. 

On Thursday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon publicly endorsed impeachment, calling Yoon’s address “akin to confessing to insurrection.

“I propose we adopt a vote for impeachment as party policy,” Han said. “The president’s actions have left us no choice but to restore confidence in our democracy.”  

At least seven PPP lawmakers have now voiced support for impeachment, according to local media, with eight needed to achieve the two-thirds majority required in parliament.  

Yet the party remains deeply divided. Veteran lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, a staunch Yoon ally, was elected leader of the PPP in the assembly on the same day and reaffirmed the party’s official opposition to impeachment.  

A successful impeachment vote would send Yoon’s case to the Constitutional Court, potentially leaving the country in political limbo for up to six months as the court determines the legitimacy of his presidency.  

Yoon’s address also reignited controversy over his claim that North Korea hacked South Korea’s election commission, casting doubt on the ruling party’s landslide defeat in April. 

He accused the opposition of “dancing the sword dance of madness” by pursuing impeachment rather than addressing what he called grave national security concerns.  

However, opposition leaders dismissed his remarks as baseless. Kim Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party’s leadership, described Yoon’s speech as “a display of extreme delusion.”  

In addition to the impeachment proceedings, Yoon is under criminal investigation for alleged insurrection related to his short-lived martial law declaration. The president’s justification for emergency rule – that “criminal groups” have paralyzed governance – has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of evidence.  

As Yoon fights for his political survival, South Korea faces the possibility of months of uncertainty. The impeachment process, coupled with divisions within the PPP, could stall government decision-making at a critical time for the nation’s economy and security.  

The president’s critics argue that his removal is essential to restoring stability. 

“Yoon’s continued presence in office is a liability. It is time for the country to move forward.”  said Kim Min-seok. 

The second impeachment vote is scheduled for Saturday, with the outcome likely to determine the trajectory of Yoon’s presidency and the political future of South Korea.  

Chioma Kalu

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