South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has named a new defense minister amidst a political firestorm ignited by his controversial attempt to declare martial law earlier this week. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the United States and prompted an impeachment motion against Yoon by the opposition party.
Yoon accepted the resignation of his previous defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, and nominated Choi Byung-hyuk, the current ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as his replacement. Choi, a former army general, will take over the role at a time of heightened political tension in the country.
The impeachment motion, introduced by the opposition, accuses Yoon of overstepping his authority and undermining democratic principles. “All 108 lawmakers of the People Power party will stay united to reject the president’s impeachment,” declared Choo Kyung-ho, the floor leader of Yoon’s ruling party, vowing to defeat the motion. However, the ruling party has shown signs of internal division over the crisis.
Yoon’s decision to declare martial law, which was quickly lifted after a parliamentary vote demanding its reversal, has been met with widespread condemnation. “Yoon had ’badly misjudged’ the situation,” stated Kurt Campbell, the U.S. deputy secretary of state, expressing concern over the incident.
world/2024/dec/04/south-korea-martial-law-president-yoon-suk-yeol-calls-to-resign-ntwnfb">“The fact that both political sides in South Korea could agree his decision was ‘deeply problematic’ despite deep political polarisation and division was a reassuring tribute to the strength of South Korean democracy,”
Campbell emphasized the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, stating that the U.S. would continue to stand by its ally during this challenging period.
The political turmoil in South Korea has raised concerns about the stability of the country’s democracy. The impeachment motion against Yoon will be debated in parliament, and its outcome remains uncertain.
The situation in South Korea is being closely watched by the international community, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing a potential impeachment after declaring martial law in a move that sparked widespread chaos and condemnation. The opposition Democratic Party, holding a majority in parliament, has introduced an impeachment motion against Yoon, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in the coming days.
The impeachment motion, introduced in the early hours of Thursday, requires at least eight lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling party to pass. A vote could take place as early as Friday. The move comes after a night of turmoil in which yoon declared martial law, attempting to ban political activity and censor the media. The declaration, which cited unspecified threats from pro-North Korean forces, was met with immediate resistance from lawmakers and the public.
“The Yoon Suk Yeol regime’s declaration of emergency martial law caused great confusion and fear among our people,” Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won told the National Assembly. “The people and the aides who protected parliament protected us with their bodies. The people won, and it’s now time for us to protect the people.”
The chaotic events unfolded as armed troops attempted to force their way into the National Assembly building in Seoul, only to be repelled by parliamentary aides wielding fire extinguishers. The incident underscored the deep divisions within South korea’s goverment and the public’s unease with Yoon’s actions.
Kim Seung-won emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We need to immediately suspend the authority of President Yoon.He has committed an indelible, historic crime against the people, whose anxiety needs to be soothed so that they can return to their daily lives.”
If the impeachment motion passes,South Korea’s constitutional court will review it,a process that could take up to 180 days. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume leadership if Yoon were suspended. A new election would be held within 60 days if Yoon resigned or was removed from office.
Yoon, in a televised address, defended his decision to declare martial law, claiming it was necessary to protect the country from pro-North Korean threats. However, he provided no specific evidence to support his claims.Parliament swiftly overturned the martial law declaration, with 190 out of 300 members voting unanimously for its revocation.
The international community is closely watching the unfolding events in South Korea, a key U.S.ally and a major economic power in Asia. North korea has yet to comment on the situation.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, a key ally for the United States in its efforts to counter authoritarianism, is facing mounting domestic pressure amid a series of controversies.
Yoon has garnered support from western leaders for his stance against the growing influence of china and Russia. he has been seen as a crucial partner in the US-led initiative to unite democracies against these authoritarian powers.
“Yoon had been embraced by leaders in the West as a partner in the US-led effort to unify democracies against growing authoritarianism in China, russia and elsewhere,”
However, Yoon’s domestic standing has been shaken by his confrontational rhetoric and a series of scandals. His labeling of critics as “communist totalitarian and anti-state forces” has sparked unease among South Koreans.
Adding to his woes, Yoon has been embroiled in allegations of influence-peddling involving himself and his wife. in November, he denied any wrongdoing in response to these accusations.
Moreover, Yoon’s hard-line stance against labor unions has drawn criticism from workers and their supporters.
The scandals and controversies surrounding Yoon’s presidency have raised questions about his ability to effectively lead South Korea and maintain its crucial role in the US-led effort to counter authoritarianism.
## World Today News Exclusive interview
**Expert: Dr.Kim Hyun-soo, Professor of Political Science, seoul National University**
**Topic: South Korea’s Political Crisis: The Potential Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr.Kim.South Korea is embroiled in a major political crisis following President Yoon’s declaration of martial law. What are the immediate implications of this unprecedented move?
**Dr. Kim:** The declaration of martial law was a shocking and deeply damaging event for South Korea’s democracy. It signaled a complete disregard for the democratic norms and institutions that the country has painstakingly built since its transition from authoritarian rule in the 1980s.
The immediate implications are a sharp erosion of public trust in the government, intensified political polarization, and potential instability. The military’s attempted incursion into the National Assembly, even if unsuccessful, set a perilous precedent.
**Interviewer:** The opposition party has filed an impeachment motion against President Yoon. Do they have enough support to succeed?
**Dr. Kim:** The outcome of the impeachment motion is highly uncertain. While the Democratic Party holds a majority in parliament,garnering the necessary votes from within Yoon’s own ruling party will be crucial.
There are signs of internal division within the ruling party, with some expressing concerns about Yoon’s actions. However, it remains to be seen whether these concerns will translate into votes for impeachment.
**Interviewer:** How has the international community reacted to this crisis?
**Dr. Kim:** The international community, particularly the United States, has expressed strong concern about the situation. The US has emphasized the importance of the US-South Korea alliance and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The condemnation from international partners underlines the gravity of the situation and its potential impact on regional stability.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential long-term consequences for South Korea’s democracy if President Yoon survives the impeachment process?
**Dr.Kim:** Even if President Yoon manages to survive impeachment,the damage to South Korea’s democracy will be important. His actions have weakened trust in democratic institutions and created a dangerous precedent for future authoritarian tendencies.
Rebuilding public trust and healing the deep societal divisions will be a long and arduous process, and the shadow of this crisis will loom large over South korean politics for years to come.
**Interviewer:** What message would you like to send to the international community regarding the situation in South Korea?
**Dr. Kim:** The international community must remain vigilant and actively engage with South Korea to ensure a peaceful and democratic resolution to this crisis. It is indeed crucial to support civil society groups, strengthen democratic institutions, and encourage dialogue between opposing political factions.
The future of South Korea hinges on its ability to uphold democratic values and principles,and the international community has a crucial role to play in supporting this vital endeavor.
