South Korea's Parliament to Vote on Yoon's Impeachment Over Martial Law Attempt

Dec 13, 2024, 10:30 AM

South Korea's opposition parties are set to hold a second vote on Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The vote, scheduled for 4 p.m. local time, requires 200 votes out of 300 to pass. The opposition needs the support of at least eight members from Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) to succeed, with seven already pledging their support. Yoon's approval ratings have plummeted to 11%, and public sentiment overwhelmingly favors his impeachment. The opposition accuses Yoon of 'insurrectionary acts undermining the constitutional order' due to his martial law bid. If the impeachment motion passes, Yoon would be suspended from office pending a decision by the Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to rule. In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume presidential duties. Yoon has vowed to fight 'until the very last minute' and remains defiant, rejecting calls for his resignation. In a televised speech, Yoon defended his martial law declaration as an 'administrative measure' and accused the opposition of causing a 'national crisis.'