South Korean Lawmakers Have Impeached President Yoon

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South Korean lawmakers impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday over his failed attempt to impose martial law, with the opposition celebrating it as a "victory of the people." This decision came after large-scale protests in Seoul, where hundreds of thousands rallied for and against Yoon. On December 3, Yoon had attempted to declare martial law, which was met with widespread opposition.

Out of 300 lawmakers, 204 voted to impeach Yoon on charges of insurrection, while 85 voted against, and three abstained. Eight votes were nullified. As a result, Yoon has been temporarily suspended from office while South Korea’s Constitutional Court reviews the case, which has 180 days to deliver a ruling. If the court supports the impeachment, Yoon will become the second South Korean president to be removed from office by impeachment.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, now serving as interim president, pledged to ensure stable governance during the crisis. The impeachment required at least 200 votes to pass, and opposition lawmakers succeeded in convincing members of Yoon's conservative People Power Party to defect.

Opposition leader Park Chan-dae hailed the impeachment as a triumph for the people, while thousands gathered outside parliament in support of the motion. Meanwhile, a smaller group of Yoon’s supporters also gathered in his defense, showing their loyalty with patriotic songs and flags.

The Democratic Party condemned Yoon’s actions, claiming impeachment was necessary to protect South Korea’s constitution and democracy. Volunteers at the rallies distributed food and supplies to the protesters braving freezing temperatures.

While there is a precedent for impeachment being overturned — as in 2004 with President Roh Moo-hyun — the Constitutional Court, now with only six judges, must reach a unanimous decision. Lawmakers have indicated they will push for the appointment of additional judges.

Despite the intense political fallout, Yoon remained defiant, and his approval rating plummeted to 11%, with 75% of South Koreans supporting the impeachment.