South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) has thrown its support behind the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial martial law declaration. The party’s leadership acknowledged that attempts to persuade Yoon to resign had failed, pushing the main opposition to prepare a fresh impeachment motion.
Constitutional Court to Decide Yoon’s Fate
South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, on Sunday urged the Constitutional Court to expedite its ruling on a bid to remove President Yoon from office. This call came a day after parliament voted to impeach him over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Yoon’s presidential powers have been suspended until the court delivers its verdict. The court has up to 180 days to decide whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days.
Prime Minister Steps In as Acting President
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the country’s No. 2 official, has assumed presidential duties following Yoon’s suspension. Han, a long-time ally of Yoon, faces the challenge of leading a government that has struggled to pass legislation in the opposition-controlled parliament. Han’s leadership will be closely scrutinized as the country navigates this unprecedented political crisis.
Opposition Leader Calls for National Stability
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, emphasized the need for a swift court ruling to minimize national chaos. “A prolonged suspension of presidential powers will only deepen the political paralysis and damage public trust in government institutions,” Lee stated during a press conference on Sunday.
Lee also proposed the establishment of a national council comprising members of the government and the National Assembly to stabilize state affairs. He stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing the political deadlock, which has disrupted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets since Yoon’s martial law decree.
Backlash Against Martial Law Declaration
President Yoon’s martial law declaration on December 3 was met with immediate and widespread backlash. Within six hours of the announcement, lawmakers managed to breach military lines and annul the order, forcing Yoon to rescind the declaration. The unprecedented move drew criticism from across the political spectrum, with many accusing Yoon of undermining democratic principles.
Since then, public and political pressure for Yoon’s resignation has intensified. Nationwide protests have erupted, and Yoon’s support has dwindled, even within his own party and military ranks. Despite the mounting criticism, Yoon remains defiant. “I will fight until the last moment with the people,” he declared in a speech on Thursday.
People Power Party Joins Calls for Impeachment
The PPP’s announcement in support of impeachment came just before Yoon’s defiant Thursday speech. In his address, Yoon defended his martial law decision, describing it as a legal measure to “prevent the collapse” of democratic governance. He accused the opposition of leading a “parliamentary dictatorship” and claimed his actions were aimed at safeguarding democracy.
However, even within his own party, support for Yoon has eroded. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon criticized the martial law declaration, calling it “wrong” and “unconstitutional.” This internal dissent highlights the deep divisions within the ruling party and underscores the gravity of the situation.
Impeachment Process and Historical Precedents
Impeaching a president in South Korea requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-member National Assembly, followed by approval from two-thirds of the nine-member Constitutional Court. The process is heavily influenced by political dynamics, as it often requires lawmakers to cross party lines.
South Korea has faced a similar situation before. In 2016, then-President Park Geun-hye, the country’s first female president, was impeached in a 243-56 parliamentary vote. The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment, removing her from office over her involvement in a corruption scandal. This historical precedent serves as a reminder of the political challenges and high stakes involved in such proceedings.
Of the current 300 National Assembly members, 101 could block an impeachment motion, and Yoon’s People Power Party holds 108 seats. However, 18 PPP members recently joined the majority in a 190-0 vote to overturn Yoon’s martial law declaration. This indicates a significant shift in party loyalty and raises questions about Yoon’s ability to rally support.
Potential Outcomes and Political Ramifications
If Yoon is permanently removed from office, South Korea will need to hold a presidential election within 60 days. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is currently seen as the favorite to become the next president. However, the political landscape remains highly volatile, and the outcome is far from certain.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s leadership will be critical in maintaining stability. Han’s ability to navigate the legislative challenges posed by an opposition-controlled parliament will determine the government’s effectiveness during this transitional period.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol marks a pivotal moment in South Korea’s political history. The outcome of this crisis will have far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic institutions, political stability, and international standing. As the Constitutional Court deliberates, all eyes will be on South Korea, a nation grappling with the complexities of democracy in the face of unprecedented challenges.