South Korean President Yoon Faces Second Impeachment Vote Soon

Photo : Reuters

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing a second vote to remove him from power. This comes after his failed and controversial attempt to bring martial law, which has caused major problems for his government.

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Protests demanding Yoon’s removal took place outside the assembly as lawmakers were set to vote on his impeachment at 4:00 pm (0700 GMT). Police believe that over 200,000 people would join these protests.

A protester, Yoo Hee-jin, who is 24 years old, said, “If Yoon isn’t impeached today, I’ll return next week,” showing that the protesters are determined and will continue their fight.

At the same time, thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered near Gwanghwamun Square to show their support for the president. They waved both South Korean and American flags. Many of them believe that Yoon had no choice but to declare martial law. One supporter, Choi Hee-sun, who is 62, told people that Yoon did what was necessary.

To impeach Yoon, the motion needs 200 votes out of 300 in South Korea’s parliament. Opposition lawmakers need at least eight members from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to join them. Reports suggest that seven members of the PPP are ready to vote for impeachment, but other members remain uncertain about how they will vote.

The opposition Democratic Party believes that removing Yoon is necessary to protect South Korea’s democracy. Hwang Jung-a, a leader from the party, said impeachment would protect “the Constitution, the rule of law, and South Korea’s future.”

Protesters in the anti-Yoon rally braved freezing cold weather. Volunteers handed out coffee, hand warmers, and food to help them. Even K-pop star Yuri from the group Girls’ Generation joined the protests. She paid for meals for the protesters and encouraged fans to “stay safe.”

If the impeachment motion passes, Yoon would be suspended from his role while the Constitutional Court investigates his fate. This could take as long as 180 days. During this time, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over as acting president.

The Constitutional Court has six judges, and all six would have to agree to permanently remove Yoon from office. A past case in 2004 showed that this is not always certain. Then-President Roh Moo-hyun was impeached but later reinstated by the court.

Even if impeachment does not succeed, Yoon could still face legal issues. Legal expert Kim Hyun-jung said that Yoon’s attempt to declare martial law could be seen as “an act of rebellion” with possible criminal consequences.

Yoon’s approval rating has dropped to just 11%, showing that many South Koreans are unhappy with his leadership. Despite this, Yoon has stayed firm, claiming that the opposition is working with communist enemies against him. A recent survey by Gallup Korea showed that 75% of South Koreans support his impeachment.

South Korea is now at a major turning point. This situation could affect the country’s future and the direction of its government for years to come.