South Korean opposition parties on Wednesday submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his controversial declaration of martial law, which was in effect for only six hours. The motion, supported by the main opposition Democratic Party and five smaller parties, could be voted on as early as Friday.
Yoon’s top advisers, along with his defense minister Kim Yong Hyun, face calls for resignation following his unexpected martial law proclamation, which aimed to suppress “anti-state” forces after struggling to advance his agenda in the opposition-dominated parliament. However, the National Assembly swiftly rejected the martial law, voting 190-0.
The Democratic Party described Yoon’s martial law declaration as a “blatant violation” of the Constitution and called for his immediate resignation, warning that it provided grounds for impeachment. The motion requires two-thirds of the parliamentary votes—at least 200 out of 300 members—to pass.
If impeached, Yoon would lose his presidential powers until the Constitutional Court rules on his fate. The Prime Minister would assume presidential duties in the interim.
Experts debate whether the martial law declaration was constitutional, noting that it can only be invoked during wartime or national emergencies, conditions not met in South Korea at the time.
Yoon’s decision raised concerns about limiting parliamentary freedoms, with the military deploying forces to prevent lawmakers from entering the National Assembly for the vote.
