Opposition lawmakers in South Korea have moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he declared martial law, only to lift the order hours later due to intense pressure. The Democratic Party, along with other opposition parties, submitted articles of impeachment against Yoon, calling the martial law declaration unconstitutional and illegal. The impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority vote in the legislature to pass, with a trial to follow in the Constitutional Court.
Impeachment proceedings are also set to begin against Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, as well as other military and police officials involved in the martial law declaration. Yoon’s People Power Party has indicated that they respect the constitution and are discussing whether Yoon should leave the party. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has reassured the public, taking responsibility for the situation and pledging to ensure stability.
Yoon’s approval ratings have dropped as he faces opposition from the Democratic Party over multiple issues, leading to tensions over next year’s budget. Yoon’s surprise martial law announcement accused the opposition of paralyzing the government and aimed to protect the constitutional order and guard against threats from North Korea. The martial law proclamation prohibited political activities and media operations while ordering striking doctors to return to work.
After facing swift backlash and protests, Yoon rescinded the martial law order, leading to troops leaving the National Assembly. The U.S. expressed support for the alliance with South Korea and confirmed that the martial law declaration had no impact on American forces. The lifting of martial law was seen as a step towards upholding democracy, with lawmakers and citizens urging an end to political turmoil and a return to normalcy.
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