Official statement from the South Korean government or news agencies

South Korea's President Yoon Suspended After Impeachment Vote Over Martial Law Attempt

Dec 14, 2024, 08:13 AM

South Korea's National Assembly voted on Saturday, December 14, to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his short-lived attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. The impeachment motion passed with 204 votes in favor and 85 against, exceeding the required threshold in the 300-member legislature. The vote suspends Yoon from office pending a Constitutional Court review. Yoon's brief declaration of martial law on December 3 shocked the nation, split his own People Power Party, and plunged the country into political turmoil. Lawmakers from his own party joined the opposition in supporting the impeachment. Prosecutors have also arrested Lieutenant General Yeo In-hyung, chief of the Defense Security Command, in connection with the martial law declaration. The decision raises the prospect of months of caretaker rule as the court deliberates.