South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing an imminent impeachment vote after his controversial attempt to impose martial law and arrest key political figures triggered widespread condemnation. The dramatic turn of events has plunged the nation into political turmoil, with mass protests erupting and lawmakers scrambling to contain the crisis.
Martial Law Declaration Sparks Uproar
Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday night, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, it soon emerged that the move was driven by domestic political tensions. The president allegedly ordered the arrest of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, three opposition lawmakers, and even his own party leader, Han Dong-hoon.
National Intelligence Service Deputy Director Hong Jang-won disclosed the list of targeted figures, accusing Yoon of using martial law as a pretext to consolidate power. The declaration was overturned within hours after 190 MPs rushed to parliament to vote it down, some scaling fences to gain access to the chamber.
Mounting Calls for Impeachment
Lawmakers from both sides have condemned Yoon’s actions, with opposition MPs leading efforts to impeach the president. The vote, scheduled for Saturday, requires a two-thirds majority to pass. The opposition holds a majority in the 300-seat National Assembly but will need support from at least eight ruling party MPs.
In a surprising shift, Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP), called for the president’s suspension, citing credible evidence that Yoon ordered arrests on dubious “anti-state” charges. “Such extreme actions put the Republic of Korea and its people at great risk,” Han stated.
Public Outrage and Protests
The attempted martial law declaration has sparked widespread protests in the capital, Seoul, with demonstrators demanding Yoon’s resignation. Police confirmed an investigation into the president for “insurrection,” as public discontent grows. A Realmeter poll conducted earlier this week showed that over 70% of South Koreans support impeachment, and Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to a historic low of 13%.
Military Leadership Rejects Orders
Adding to the backlash, Special Forces Commander Kwak Jong-kuen revealed that he had defied orders to remove MPs from parliament during Tuesday’s events. “I ordered soldiers not to enter the floor… and that no harm must come to civilians,” Kwak testified. He and two other commanders have since been suspended for their roles.
A Nation in Crisis
The unfolding crisis has unsettled South Korea’s allies and financial markets. While Yoon has remained out of public view since reversing the martial law order, opposition lawmakers have stayed near the National Assembly to counter any renewed attempt to impose military rule.
As the impeachment vote looms, the president’s political survival hangs by a thread, with growing demands for accountability and a return to democratic norms.
