South Korea's President Yoon Faces Impeachment Vote as Ruling Party Leader Backs Motion Over Martial Law Declaration

Dec 12, 2024, 08:40 AM

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol faces a second impeachment motion filed by six opposition parties over his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3rd and deploy troops to parliament. Yoon defends his actions, stating that the martial law declaration was a legal move to protect democracy and vows to 'fight to the end.' The National Assembly is set to vote on the impeachment motion on December 14th, with increasing support from members of his own ruling People Power Party, including its leader who has called for impeachment as the party's stance. Police have twice attempted to raid the presidential office amid a treason probe, with Yoon's security blocking earlier attempts. The National Assembly has passed motions to impeach national police chief Cho Ji Ho and Justice Minister Park Sung Jae over their enforcement of martial law. Parliament has also passed bills to appoint independent counsels to investigate Yoon’s insurrection charges and scandals involving the First Lady. Additionally, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, allegedly involved in the martial law declaration, attempted suicide while in custody.