SEOUL: South Korea’s National Assembly is set to vote on Saturday to decide the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the second impeachment attempt over his controversial martial law declaration. The outcome remains uncertain as lawmakers from both sides brace for a critical decision.
This follows a failed attempt last week to impeach Yoon for what has been described as “insurrectionary acts undermining the constitutional order.” For the motion to pass, 200 votes are required, which would need at least eight lawmakers from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to break ranks and side with the opposition.
As of Friday noon, seven PPP lawmakers had publicly expressed their intent to support the impeachment, leaving the final result hanging in the balance.
The impeachment drive stems from Yoon’s December 3-4 martial law declaration, during which soldiers and helicopters were deployed to the parliamentary premises. This move sparked widespread outrage, with thousands of South Koreans protesting in Seoul, demanding his resignation and imprisonment.
Opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung appealed to ruling party members on Friday, urging them to prioritize the will of the people.
“Lawmakers should defend not President Yoon or the People Power Party, but the lives and voices of citizens suffering in the freezing streets,” Lee stated. “Support the impeachment vote tomorrow. Your decision will be etched in history.”
Two PPP lawmakers supported the previous impeachment attempt, and opposition legislator Kim Min-seok expressed confidence on Friday, saying he was “99 percent” sure the motion would succeed this time.
The National Assembly is expected to cast its vote at 4:00 PM (0700 GMT) on Saturday. The political future of South Korea hangs in the balance as the country watches closely.
