South Korea’s lawmakers have voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his attempt to declare martial law, a decision that comes in the wake of extensive protests throughout the country.
A total of 204 members of parliament endorsed the impeachment motion, some of whom are from Yoon’s own People Power Party.
After days of public outcry, the People Power Party allowed its members to cast their votes, reversing their previous action of boycotting the impeachment vote last week.
The air was filled with joy as thousands of protesters opposed to Yoon celebrated outside the National Assembly, singing and enjoying fireworks.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik expressed hope for the public, saying, “We hope your end of year will now be happier, and that all your cancelled celebrations can resume.”
“The destiny of the Republic of Korea and our hopes rest with the people, and our hope is strong,” stated Woo, from the opposition Democratic Party.
Recent polls show strong public support for impeaching Yoon, with three-quarters of South Koreans favoring his removal.
The constitutional court has 180 days to decide on Yoon’s impeachment. Should they decide to impeach, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.
During this process, Yoon will be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president.
Both Han and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is next in line, are currently under investigation by the police related to last week’s events.
Yoon stated he is “temporarily pausing my journey” but vowed “to never give up.”
He committed to taking criticism, praise, and support seriously and to do his best for the country until his last day.
Outside the National Assembly, tens of thousands of protesters braved the bitter cold, gathering throughout the day with a resolute determination to see President Yoon ousted.
“I’m so happy that the bill passed… At the same time, the fight is not over,” physical therapist Sim Hee-seon told the media.
“We’ll have to wait for the court’s judgment for his impeachment to be finalized. We will keep watching.”
Two women in Rudolf costumes held signs at the protest: “It will only be a merry Christmas if Yoon Suk Yeol is gone.”
Meanwhile, a pro-Yoon rally in Gwanghwamun Square showed a stark contrast as his supporters were left speechless by the impeachment news, with some departing angrily after the announcement.
The success of the impeachment vote relied on the People Power Party, as the opposition needed just a few more votes. Last Saturday’s attempt fell short due to a walkout by the party.
This Saturday, after an all-day meeting that ended moments before the vote, PPP lawmakers were permitted to vote as they saw fit, with at least 12 breaking ranks while another 85 opposed the impeachment.
South Korea has been engulfed in nearly two weeks of turmoil following Yoon’s brief attempt to enforce martial law last Tuesday night.
Yoon claimed the move was necessary due to threats from “anti-state elements” and North Korea, though it soon became clear that internal politics motivated his actions.
Hours later, he withdrew the order following overwhelming opposition in parliament, with MPs overcoming physical barriers to vote it down.
He later issued an apology and, on Thursday, justified his actions as a defense of the nation’s democracy, pledging to “fight on until the end.”
This speech led to his plummeting approval rating, which reached an all-time low of 11%, according to a Gallup Korea poll.
This impeachment marks another significant chapter in South Korea’s political history, reminiscent of the 2016 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, ironically, led by Yoon himself as a prosecutor.
