South korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced mounting pressure to resign on Saturday, just hours before a crucial impeachment vote and amidst planned mass protests in Seoul. The embattled leader’s declaration of martial law earlier this week, a move unprecedented as the 1980s, sent shockwaves through the nation and the international community.
Yoon’s dramatic decision to deploy troops and helicopters to parliament on Tuesday night was swiftly overturned by lawmakers who voted down the decree. The president rescinded the order in the early hours of Wednesday, marking a night of extraordinary political turmoil in a country long considered a stable democracy.
In a televised address, his first public appearance since plunging the country into chaos, Yoon expressed remorse for his actions. “The declaration of martial law arose from my urgency as the president,” he stated. “However, in the process, I caused anxiety and inconvenience to the public. I sincerely apologize to the citizens who were greatly distressed.”
despite his apology, calls for Yoon’s resignation have intensified, coming from both the opposition and members of his own party. A vote on his impeachment is scheduled for later Saturday, although opposition leader Lee Jae-myung told AFP that it remains uncertain whether the motion will pass.
Police anticipate tens of thousands of anti-Yoon protesters will take to the streets ahead of the vote, wiht organizers aiming for a turnout of 200,000. While Yoon stopped short of resigning in his address, he indicated his willingness to cooperate with his party to stabilize the political situation, including his own position.
Yoon’s party remains deeply divided on the issue. While lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to blocking impeachment late Friday, party head Han Dong-hoon delivered a stark message early Saturday, stating, “The normal performance of the president’s duties is impossible under the (current) circumstances, and an early resignation of the president is inevitable.”
The opposition bloc holds a commanding majority in the 300-seat parliament with 192 seats, while Yoon’s Peopel Power Party (PPP) has 108. Just eight defections from the ruling party would be enough to secure the two-thirds majority required for the impeachment vote to pass. One PPP lawmaker has already publicly declared their intention to vote with the opposition.
South Korea is on edge as President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a potential suspension from office following a dramatic attempt to declare martial law. The move, wich was ultimately thwarted by lawmakers, has sparked widespread protests and international concern.
On Tuesday, Yoon announced the declaration of martial law, citing the need to protect South Korea from North Korean threats and “anti-state elements.” This unprecedented action triggered immediate backlash, with security forces attempting to seal off the National Assembly building and detain key politicians.
“I will not shy away from the issue of legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law,” Yoon stated in a televised address.
However, lawmakers from both parties bravely resisted Yoon’s move. Some scaled walls to enter the National Assembly, while others used furniture to block soldiers attempting to gain access. Their defiance ultimately led to the rejection of the martial law declaration.
The incident has sent shockwaves through South Korea, with thousands taking to the streets in protest. On Friday night, at least 15,000 demonstrators braved freezing temperatures to demand Yoon’s removal from office. Some even camped out overnight, fearing further attempts to undermine democracy.
Adding to the pressure, Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to a record low of 13 percent, according to a recent poll. The ruling party chief has called for Yoon’s impeachment, warning of a “significant risk” that he might try to impose martial law again.
The episode has also raised concerns among south Korea’s allies. U.S. Secretary of State antony Blinken expressed his expectation that “the democratic process will prevail” in a call with his South Korean counterpart.
As the situation unfolds, South Korea finds itself at a critical juncture. The outcome of the impeachment vote will determine the fate of Yoon’s presidency and the future of South Korean democracy.
## South Korea on the Brink: An Expert Analysis of Yoon Suk Yeol’s Impeachment Crisis
**World Today News**: The South Korean political landscape is in utter turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unprecedented declaration of martial law earlier this week. With an impeachment vote looming and massive protests planned,we’ve invited Professor Seo jeong-min,a leading expert on South Korean politics at Seoul National University,to help us understand the gravity of this situation.Professor Seo, thank you for joining us.
**Professor Seo**: Thank you for having me. This is indeed a critical moment in South Korean history.
**World Today News**: Let’s start with the declaration of martial law. What prompted President Yoon to take such a drastic step?
**professor Seo**: The catalyst appears to be the ongoing political gridlock surrounding the government’s reform agenda. Yoon has faced strong opposition from the parliament, controlled by the democratic Party, leading to frustrations and a perceived sense of impotence. Though, invoking martial law was a deeply misguided and irresponsible move.It demonstrated a concerning disregard for democratic norms and sent shockwaves throughout South Korean society.
**World Today News**: The backlash has been immense, both domestically and internationally. Can you elaborate on the ramifications of this decision?
**Professor Seo**: Certainly.Yoon’s actions have severely damaged his credibility and eroded public trust. The declaration of martial law has been widely condemned as an authoritarian overreach,reminiscent of the dark days of South Korea’s authoritarian past. Internationally, it has tarnished South Korea’s image as a stable democracy and raised concerns about the country’s future trajectory.
**World Today News**: Despite apologizing, calls for Yoon’s resignation are growing louder. How likely is it that he will be impeached?
**Professor Seo**: The impeachment vote is a crucial turning point. While the Democratic Party holds a commanding majority, securing a
two-thirds majority needed for impeachment might prove challenging. However, the growing pressure from within Yoon’s own party, including clear statements from its leader, makes the possibility of impeachment a real and present danger.
**World Today News**: What are the potential scenarios we might see unfold in the coming days and weeks?
**Professor Seo**: Several scenarios are possible. If Yoon is impeached and removed from office, it would usher in a period of political instability and uncertainty. If he manages to survive the vote, he will be significantly weakened, perhaps leading to a further paralysis of the government. Another possibility is that Yoon might step down voluntarily, hoping to minimize further damage to himself and the country.
**World Today News**: What is your larger assessment of South Korea’s political climate in light of these recent events?
**Professor Seo**: The events of the past week have exposed deep fissures in south Korean society and politics. The level of polarization and distrust is alarming.Regaining stability and trust will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society, and the public. it is indeed crucial that South Korea reaffirms its commitment to democratic values and institutions in this challenging time.
**World Today News**: Professor Seo, thank you for your insightful analysis and providing clarity on this complex issue.
