South Korean lawmakers are set for a pivotal vote on Saturday as they decide on a second impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol, amid a political storm sparked by his controversial December 3 martial law decree. The decree, which lasted just six hours, has plunged the nation into turmoil, triggering protests, plummeting approval ratings, and allegations of rebellion against Yoon.
A Nation Divided
Last week, Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment when lawmakers from his People Power Party boycotted the vote. With public dissent escalating, it remains uncertain whether the same strategy will be employed again.
Protests in the capital, Seoul, have drawn tens of thousands nightly over the past two weeks, with demonstrators demanding Yoon’s removal and arrest. Wielding K-pop light sticks and chanting slogans, they have maintained largely peaceful rallies despite freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, smaller groups of conservative supporters have countered with their own demonstrations.
“People are bringing their most cherished possessions, like idol light sticks, to express their opinions. It’s a powerful cultural statement,” said Hong Gayeong, a protester outside the National Assembly.
The Martial Law Controversy
Yoon’s imposition of martial law marked South Korea’s first in over four decades, halting diplomatic activity and rattling financial markets. The decree was swiftly overturned by a unanimous parliamentary vote, and Yoon has since faced accusations of rebellion and constitutional violations.
Opposition lawmakers argue that Yoon’s use of military and police forces to disrupt the National Assembly vote constituted rebellion under South Korean law. They claim martial law can only be declared in wartime or emergencies and does not permit interference with parliamentary operations.
Yoon defended his actions in a fiery speech, calling the decree an “act of governance” aimed at curbing the opposition Democratic Party’s influence, which he described as “anti-state forces”.
“I will fight to the end to prevent those paralyzing the government and disrupting our constitutional order from threatening South Korea’s future,” Yoon declared.
Impeachment and Legal Ramifications
The impeachment motion accuses Yoon of “rebellion that undermines peace and the Constitution of the Republic of Korea.” While the opposition controls a majority in the 300-member National Assembly, they remain eight votes short of the two-thirds majority required to pass the motion.
If impeached, Yoon’s powers would be suspended pending a Constitutional Court decision. If removed, South Korea would hold a national election within 60 days to choose a new president.
Though presidents in South Korea are immune from prosecution while in office, that protection does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. Yoon, along with senior officials implicated in the martial law case, faces potential charges ranging from abuse of power to rebellion, which carry penalties up to life imprisonment or even the death sentence.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Yoon’s defense minister, police chief, and Seoul’s metropolitan police head have already been arrested over their roles in the martial law declaration. Investigations continue into other senior officials, while Yoon himself has been banned from leaving the country during the probe.
As South Korea braces for the outcome of Saturday’s vote, the political stakes remain high, with potential ripple effects on the nation’s democracy and stability.
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