South Korea Parliament Rejects Probe Into First Lady Amid Martial Law Protests, Impeachment Boycott

Dec 7, 2024, 10:08 AM

South Korea's parliament narrowly failed to pass a bill to investigate alleged scandals involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee, including her stock dealings. This development occurred amid heightened political tensions as lawmakers also began voting on a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol. The impeachment vote faced complications as the ruling People Power Party largely boycotted the proceedings, with only two members participating, resulting in a lack of quorum. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of protesters, including labor unions, gathered outside the National Assembly, with at least 150,000 demonstrators demanding President Yoon's resignation, following his controversial attempt to impose martial law earlier in the week. A ruling party lawmaker returned to vote during the proceedings.