South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol survived an impeachment vote on Saturday over his brief declaration of martial law, but his party has now called for his resignation. In a dramatic turn of events, Yoon avoided being ousted after members of his party walked out of parliament to boycott the vote; only two remained inside, and the only ruling lawmaker who returned voted against the motion.
Outside the main hall, opposition lawmakers chanted, “Get inside [the chamber]!” and called their colleagues “cowards” as a large crowd gathered outside the National Assembly demanding the president’s removal. Yoon has faced significant pressure to resign after his controversial attempt to declare martial law, a move that would mark the first enactment of such a law in more than four decades, sparked a fierce backlash.
Opposition lawmakers plan to submit another impeachment motion on Wednesday, December 11, the next possible date for the vote. Although the ruling People Power Party (PPP), of which Yoon is a member, has managed to block his impeachment, they insist he must step down. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said the party would continue to push for the president's orderly resignation to "reduce confusion." Opposition lawmaker Kim Joon-hyung of the Rebuilding Korea Party has expressed skepticism about Yoon's ability to complete his term, insisting, "The sooner he steps down or is impeached, the better for our country."
Post a Comment