South Korea’s National Assembly Votes to Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol Amid Political Turmoil

South Korea’s National Assembly has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol for the second time in a week, following a failed attempt to impose martial law last week. The impeachment motion passed with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, and three abstentions. A total of 300 lawmakers participated in the vote, marking a significant moment in the country’s political crisis.

The opposition had needed at least eight members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) to break ranks and support the impeachment. The vote comes after days of heated protests and public demonstrations calling for Yoon’s removal, with police estimating that at least 200,000 people filled the streets of Seoul ahead of the vote.

As a result of the vote, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will step in as the acting president. Han has vowed to stabilize the government and ensure the continuation of state affairs, addressing the country’s political and economic uncertainties.

In a televised statement, Han emphasized the critical importance of maintaining stable government operations. “I earnestly ask public servants… to ensure that the government is operated without being shaken,” he urged.

Han also took swift action in bolstering national security, urging the military to stay alert to potential provocations from North Korea. His office confirmed that he had tasked the foreign minister with assuring global partners that South Korea’s foreign policy would remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, the European Union called for an “orderly resolution” of South Korea’s political crisis. “It is important now to ensure a swift and orderly resolution of the current political crisis in line with the Korean constitution,” EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper said.

Protests outside the National Assembly were a mix of jubilation and defiance. Supporters of Yoon’s impeachment celebrated the vote with colorful lights, Christmas decorations, and even Santa outfits. One protester, Choi Jung-ha, told AFP, “Isn’t it amazing that we, the people, have pulled this off together? I am 100 percent certain the Constitutional Court will side with the impeachment.”

However, not all in South Korea were in favor of the impeachment. Near Gwanghwamun Square, around 30,000 people gathered in support of President Yoon. A pro-Yoon demonstrator voiced his approval of the president’s actions during the martial law controversy, saying, “Yoon had no choice but to declare martial law. I approve of every decision he has made as president.”

In the wake of the impeachment, acting President Han Duck-soo reiterated the need for unity and stability. “My heart is very heavy,” he said, adding, “I will devote all my strength and efforts to ensure stable governance.”

The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide on Yoon’s political future. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become the second South Korean president in history to be successfully removed from office. The first instance occurred in 2004 when President Roh Moo-hyun was impeached by the National Assembly, though the Constitutional Court ultimately overturned the decision.

This political crisis comes after weeks of uncertainty following Yoon’s controversial attempt to declare martial law in response to ongoing protests. Although the first impeachment vote failed, the PPP had internal divisions over whether to support or oppose the impeachment. Nonetheless, members of the ruling party participated in the vote this time, marking a pivotal moment in South Korea’s democratic process.