South Korea lawmakers introduce motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol News
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South Korea lawmakers introduce motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean lawmakers on Thursday introduced a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol just days after his failed attempt to enforce martial law. The motion is set for a full parliamentary vote on Saturday.

Yoon is facing impeachment charges under Article 66 of the South Korean Constitution for “violating the Constitution or other laws in the performance of official duties.” The National Assembly has mustered the majority vote required to begin the proceedings against sitting presidents and is now awaiting the final vote, which will require a 2/3 majority to impeach. Since the opposition gained the sufficient votes to begin the impeachment process, Yoon has been suspended from exercising his power until the impeachment has been adjudicated. Prime Minister Han Duck has temporarily assumed the powers of the presidency.

If the motion passes, the Constitutional Court will rule on whether Yoon’s crimes are grave enough to warrant impeachment. The combined opposition falls just shy of the 200 votes required for a two-thirds majority, with the ruling party holding 108 of 300 seats. The government’s party, the People’s Power Party, has ruled out supporting the opposition in impeaching Yoon. 

Yoon is fighting to maintain his presidency and has already accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Hyun. Yoon claimed that Kim and the Ministry of Defense suggested the president declare martial law. Article 77 of the nation’s constitution allows for the president to declare martial law in a “time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency.” Yoon stated that he was declaring martial law to safeguard South Korea from anti-state forces that he alleged were in league with North Korea. The president’s party had been under extraordinary strain after the liberal opposition won a majority in the National Assembly earlier this year. The assembly rejected Yoon’s declaration of martial law and forced Yeol to lift the declaration according to the requirements set out in the Korean Constitution. 

There are now three possibilities. Yoon could beat the impeachment proceedings either in the National Assembly or at the Constitutional Court. In either case, he could remain in office until 2027. Alternatively, if he resigns or is forced from office, the nation must hold a new election within 60 days.

 

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