South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, has questioned the state of mind of President Yoon Suk Yeol and vowed to make all-out efforts to get him impeached soon. The president’s controversial martial law imposition this week showed he could make other extreme moves on vital issues.
The six-hour declaration was overturned by parliament in a unanimous vote and lifted before daybreak Wednesday. However, it is threatening to plunge the country into a political turmoil and tarnishing its international image.
Lee argues that Yoon’s actions are “incomprehensible” and that he could make other drastic moves on security, defense, economy, and foreign affairs issues. The opposition leader says there is a high possibility that Yoon will do totally incomprehensible things in the future.
Yoon’s office has denied that the president has any problems with handling state affairs and making decisions. However, Lee’s Democratic Party and other small opposition parties are pushing for a parliamentary vote on an impeachment motion to suspend Yoon’s presidential power and responsibility.
The parties need backing from some members of the governing People Power Party to reach the two-thirds majority required to pass the impeachment motion. If approved, the Constitutional Court is to determine whether to remove Yoon from office or restore his presidential power.
Lee has argued that public support for Yoon’s impeachment is growing, with over 70% of South Koreans supporting it. A survey released Thursday indicated that more than 70% of South Koreans back Yoon’s impeachment, while another survey published Friday put Yoon’s approval rating at 16%, the lowest since he took office in May 2022.
Lee has vowed to make all-out efforts to get Yoon impeached soon, stating that it is necessary to mobilize all available methods and capabilities to suspend Yoon at the earliest possible time.
Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-international/ap-south-koreas-opposition-leader-questions-president-yoons-state-of-mind-after-martial-law-chaos/mlite