South Korea’s Parliament Launches Second Impeachment Move Against President Yoon
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is facing a second impeachment from the country’s parliament, just a week after the first attempt failed on Saturday, December 7.
On December 3, the 63-year-old president declared martial law, citing “North Korea’s communist forces” and “anti-state elements” within the country. Barely two hours later, the National Assembly intervened, initiating an impeachment proceeding.
The second impeachment comes two days after President Yoon’s office was raided by police, who are investigating whether he was involved in an insurrection following his declaration of martial law.
While his former defense minister, who resigned after the martial law failed and was arrested shortly afterward, attempted suicide in detention, Yoon has vowed to fight to the end.
“I will stand firm whether I’m impeached or investigated,” he said. “I will fight to the end,” he stated in a television broadcast on Thursday.
In the first proceeding, most of the 108 lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling party boycotted the vote. To be impeached, the 300-member National Assembly needs 200 votes, meaning the opposition block would require eight lawmakers from the ruling party to impeach the President.
If the impeachment succeeds, the case will proceed to the Constitutional Court, where it will be deliberated for up to 180 days. During this period, Yoon would not be able to exercise his constitutional powers as President but will transfer them to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who will become the Acting President.
Since his election in 2022, Yoon’s administration has faced intense scrutiny over scandals, unpopular policies, and political missteps.
In May, Yoon issued a public apology on behalf of his wife, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, amid allegations that she unlawfully accepted luxury gifts. In November, he vetoed a bill calling for an investigation into corruption allegations involving her, sparking outrage among the opposition.
