South Korea’s president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has defied opposition efforts to impeach him over his short-lived martial law decree, which he defended as a necessary act of governance. The decree, announced on December 3, gave sweeping powers to the military and suspended parliamentary activities, sparking widespread protests and outrage.
President Yoon declared martial law in response to what he called “anti-state forces” within the opposition-controlled parliament, describing them as North Korea-sympathizing politicians who were paralyzing government affairs. However, many critics saw it as a power grab aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
In the days following the declaration, hundreds of heavily-armed troops encircled the National Assembly building to prevent lawmakers from gathering to hold a vote to lift the martial law declaration. Despite this, 190 lawmakers voted unanimously to repeal the decree on December 4, prompting President Yoon’s formal lifting of martial law later that day.
Opposition parties have continued to push for his impeachment, accusing him of attempting to incite riots and violating constitutional powers. However, most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers.
As investigations into the martial law decree continue, President Yoon’s allies are facing scrutiny over their roles in imposing the decree. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun has been detained over alleged involvement in planning and executing the martial law enforcement, while the national police chief and top officer for Seoul have also faced impeachment motions.
The controversy surrounding President Yoon’s actions highlights deep divisions within South Korea’s politics, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency from those in power. The opposition has vowed to continue pushing for his impeachment, despite his survival of the latest bid.
Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-international/ap-a-look-at-the-growing-political-storm-unleashed-by-south-korean-presidents-martial-law-decree