South Korean opposition lawmakers announced plans to vote on impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol this Saturday. Yoon is under police investigation for treason after declaring a brief martial law on Tuesday. His declaration, which sought to ban political activity and control the media, was overturned by the National Assembly within hours.
The Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, condemned the declaration as unconstitutional and dangerous. Lawmaker Kim Seung-won stated it caused widespread fear and confusion. The impeachment vote requires 200 out of 300 parliamentary votes. While the opposition holds 192 seats, discontent within Yoon’s ruling People Power Party may help secure the necessary votes.
Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who advised the martial law declaration, resigned Thursday and is under investigation for treason. Yoon, facing mounting political pressure, accepted Kim’s resignation. Prosecutors have banned Kim from traveling as they investigate his role.
The controversial move has alarmed South Korea’s allies, including the United States, which was not informed of the declaration in advance. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Yoon’s judgment, highlighting concerns over regional stability. The U.S. maintains 28,500 troops in South Korea as part of its post-Korean War alliance.
If impeached, Yoon’s powers would be suspended pending a Constitutional Court ruling, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming temporary presidential duties. The martial law declaration, the first in South Korea in over 40 years, marks a significant rupture in the nation’s democratic history.
The impeachment vote is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time Saturday.
