South Korean Parliament Impeaches President Yoon; PM Han Becomes Acting President

Dec 14, 2024, 08:36 AM

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached on Saturday by the National Assembly over his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3. The motion passed with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, three abstentions, and eight invalid ballots, surpassing the required threshold. Under the constitution, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo becomes acting president while the Constitutional Court reviews the impeachment. Yoon's brief declaration of martial law shocked the nation, led to widespread protests and calls for his resignation, and split his ruling People Power Party halfway through his term. Prosecutors have arrested Lt Gen Yeo In-hyung, the chief of Defense. The opposition declared the impeachment a 'victory of the people' as the country enters a period of political turmoil and faces an intense legal battle over Yoon's presidency.