South Korea faces a significant political crisis as opposition leader Lee Jae-myung urges President Yoon Suk Yeol's ruling party to support his impeachment. This comes after Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing threats from "anti-state forces," only to revoke it six hours later following parliamentary backlash. The martial law decree, which mobilized armed troops in Seoul, sparked public outrage and protests, with opposition lawmakers branding it unconstitutional.
The Democratic Party (DP) and smaller opposition groups quickly submitted motions to impeach both Yoon and his defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly recommended the martial law move. While Kim resigned and publicly apologized for the turmoil, Yoon’s impeachment could strip him of his powers until the Constitutional Court decides his fate, a process that could take up to six months.
Despite its majority, the opposition requires support from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to secure the two-thirds vote needed for impeachment. The PPP remains divided, with some factions opposing the president’s actions but hesitant to repeat the political chaos of former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2016. This internal discord adds uncertainty to the vote, scheduled for December 14.
Yoon’s martial law declaration followed escalating tensions with the opposition over budget cuts and alleged corruption investigations linked to his administration. Critics accuse Yoon of weaponizing the military for political purposes, while labor unions and civic groups have joined the call for his resignation. Protests continue to grow, with demands for accountability and a return to constitutional governance.
The president has remained out of the public eye since lifting the martial law order, fueling speculation about his next moves. Meanwhile, senior aides, including his chief of staff, have offered to resign en masse to contain the fallout. This gesture has done little to quell public anger, with protests spreading nationwide.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has intensified pressure on Yoon, arguing that the president’s actions undermine South Korea’s democratic principles. He has called on the ruling party to prioritize national stability over partisan loyalty. Meanwhile, the PPP leadership faces the delicate task of balancing internal divisions and public outrage ahead of the critical vote.
South Korea’s unfolding political drama echoes previous crises, with significant implications for its democratic institutions. As the impeachment vote looms, the country remains on edge, awaiting a resolution to one of its most contentious political episodes in recent history.
