The opposition parties’ submission of an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol has rocked South Korea’s political scene. Following Yoon’s contentious imposition of martial law, which was quickly revoked a few hours later, this move was taken.
On December 4, 2024, six opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party (DP), filed a motion to impeach President Yoon in the National Assembly. The motion is expected to be voted on as early as December 6 or 7.
Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing the need to combat “anti-state” forces and protect the nation from threats, particularly from North Korea. However, this declaration was met with immediate backlash from lawmakers and the public, resulting in a swift parliamentary vote that
Yoon’s acts were described by the DP as a “serious act of rebellion” and a constitutional breach. They contend that his declaration of martial law was essentially illegitimate and lacked legal support. The opposition has demanded that Yoon step down or face impeachment.
A two-thirds majority in the National Assembly—at least 200 of the 300 members—is needed to impeach Yoon. To reach the 170 seats held by the DP, some members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) will need to provide their support.
Several senior officials in Yoon’s administration have resigned in the wake of the martial law fiasco. As demands for accountability become more vocal in the public and political spheres, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has urged Cabinet members to stay in their positions.
President Yoon would be removed from office pending the Constitutional Court’s trial if the impeachment motion is approved. For Yoon to be removed from office permanently, an impeachment would need to be upheld by at least six of the nine justices. Deep rifts within South Korea’s government and society are reflected in this crisis, which is one of the country’s biggest political crises in recent memory.
