A recent impeachment attempt against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol failed to advance in the National Assembly due to an insufficient number of lawmakers present at the session. On Saturday, only 195 members attended, falling short of the two-thirds minimum of 200 required to move forward with impeachment proceedings, as detailed by Jurist. This impeachment motion emerged following President Yoon’s contentious martial law declaration earlier in the week.
Critics argued that the martial law declaration was a violation of the South Korean Constitution—specifically, Article 77, which delineates the conditions under which such measures can be employed. Opposition lawmakers suggested that Yoon’s action intended to avoid ongoing investigations concerning alleged illegal activities involving himself and his family. The American publication, Barron’s, cited these accusations during their coverage.
The implementation of martial law, albeit brief—from 10:30 PM on Tuesday to 4:30 AM on Wednesday—restricted political activities and required striking doctors to return to work within two days. Military officials described the situation as chaotic during those hours, with many receiving news of the martial law from public channels, including a sudden television address by Yoon. The U.S.-based NBC News provided additional insights into the confusion that ensued during this period.
In a televised address on Saturday, Yoon apologized for causing public anxiety, emphasizing that his declaration was driven by the urgency he felt as president. He also announced the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, as reported by VOA News. In response, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, criticized the president’s attempt, labeling it an unconstitutional move that slackened the country’s democratic principles, a view also echoed in international media, including The Guardian.
Amidst this domestic upheaval, the crisis has had international repercussions, notably straining South Korea’s diplomatic relations. U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group meetings in Washington have been postponed as a result of the turmoil, according to Anadolu Agency. Despite the setback for the impeachment motion, opposition lawmakers suggested on Saturday that they might introduce a new impeachment proposal later in the week.