South Korea’s governing party chief has expressed support for suspending President Yoon Suk Yeol’s powers, increasing the likelihood of his impeachment. The move comes as opposition parties push to pass a parliamentary vote on Saturday, citing Yoon’s short-lived martial law declaration as “unconstitutional and illegal.”
Yoon’s nighttime martial law decree has sparked turmoil in South Korean politics, causing worry among neighboring countries and frozen relations with key allies like Japan and the United States. The opposition alleges that Yoon ordered key politicians to be arrested and detained on accusations of “anti-state activities” when martial law was in force.
To impeach Yoon would require support from 200 out of 300 National Assembly members, a task that seems increasingly achievable given the opposition’s combined seats. If successful, Yoon would face suspension until the Constitutional Court rules on his fate. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over presidential responsibilities.
As protests continue to swell in Seoul, Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has promised cooperation with an investigation into the military’s role in Yoon’s martial law enforcement. The opposition and ruling party leaders have also accused each other of involvement in the controversy, with some lawmakers alleging that Yoon declared martial law on the orders of his former defense minister, who has been banned from traveling.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-martial-law-yoon-impeachment-bfea0520c0361294f96edd6602ac8534