South Korea: National Assembly Poised to Vote on President Yoon's Impeachment

Seoul (The Uttam Hindu): The National Assembly is set to vote on a motion for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday following his unexpected declaration and rapid lifting of martial law, which has caused political instability in South Korea. Yoon's political future became uncertain after he declared martial law on Tuesday night, attempting to restrict political party activities and control the media. The martial law was lifted just six hours later after being rejected by 190 lawmakers in Parliament, according to reports. The main opposition Democratic Party (DP), along with five smaller opposition parties, submitted the impeachment motion, arguing that Yoon's martial law declaration violated the Constitution and other laws. A two-thirds majority vote is required to pass the motion, which would need the support of at least eight lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP). Among PPP lawmakers, Representative Cho Kyoung-tae has voiced support for Yoon's impeachment, marking the first such instance from a ruling party member.

On Friday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon called for the immediate suspension of Yoon's presidential duties. However, the ruling party later decided to uphold its position of opposing the impeachment motion. If the motion passes, the Constitutional Court will determine whether Yoon should be reinstated or removed from office. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become the second South Korean president to be impeached, following former President Park Geun-hye in 2017. Additionally, the DP will push for a revote on a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into allegations of corruption and election interference involving First Lady Kim Keo Hee. This bill, which Yoon has vetoed for the third time, requires a two-thirds majority to override the veto.