South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly survived an impeachment vote on Saturday after his controversial martial law declaration. However, his political future remains uncertain as his own party calls for his resignation.
In a dramatic turn of events, members of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) walked out of parliament, boycotting the impeachment vote. Only two governing lawmakers stayed, with one voting against the motion. Opposition lawmakers, shouting “Go inside [the chamber]!” and calling the boycotters “cowards,” were joined by large crowds outside the National Assembly demanding Yoon’s removal from office.
The controversy began with Yoon’s unexpected martial law declaration, which would have been the first in over 40 years. The move, citing alleged “anti-state activities” by opposition lawmakers, was widely condemned and lasted only six hours before being struck down by parliament. The failed attempt has intensified calls for his resignation.
Despite blocking the impeachment, the PPP has distanced itself from Yoon. Party leader Han Dong-hoon stated they would “continue to push for the president’s orderly resignation to minimize confusion.” Opposition leaders, including Kim Joon-hyung of the Rebuilding Korea Party, also stressed the urgency of his departure, saying, “The sooner he resigns or is impeached, the better for our country.”
In his first public statement since the debacle, Yoon apologized for his actions, describing the martial law attempt as a decision made out of “desperation.” He admitted responsibility for the political turmoil and reassured the public that there would be “no second attempt” at imposing such a decree.
The incident has reignited painful memories for many South Koreans, who endured decades of military dictatorship before achieving democracy in the 1980s. The swift backlash to Yoon’s move reflects the nation’s deep commitment to democratic principles and its resistance to authoritarian measures.
Opposition lawmakers have already submitted a new impeachment motion for a vote on December 11, keeping the political pressure on Yoon. Meanwhile, the president’s future hangs in the balance as calls for his resignation grow louder, even within his own ranks.