South Korea’s National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his controversial attempt to implement martial law, marking a historic political upheaval in the nation.

The impeachment of South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, driven by his attempted martial law declaration, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history. With overwhelming National Assembly support (204 out of 300 votes), Yoon is now suspended, pending a Constitutional Court decision. Public sentiment heavily favors impeachment, reflecting dissatisfaction with his leadership. Massive protests and a record-low approval rating of 11% underscore the depth of the crisis. Acting President Han Duck-soo faces significant challenges as the nation navigates this volatile period.

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Tumultuous Times: President Yoon Impeached

On Saturday, South Korea’s lawmakers voted decisively to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, capping one of the most chaotic periods in the country’s democratic history. The impeachment motion passed with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, and 11 invalid ballots. A two-thirds majority—200 votes in the 300-member legislature—was required for passage. This dramatic decision suspends Yoon from office pending a ruling by South Korea’s Constitutional Court on whether to uphold or overturn the impeachment.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo now serves as acting president, stepping into a fraught political landscape. Speaking after the vote, Han vowed to “stably run the government” during these challenging times.
The impeachment comes on the heels of Yoon’s failed declaration of martial law earlier this month, which drew domestic and international condemnation. Yoon’s approval ratings have since plummeted to 11%, the lowest of his presidency, according to Gallup Korea. Over 70% of respondents in a recent poll supported impeachment.

Events Leading to Impeachment

The crisis began on December 3 when Yoon shocked the nation by declaring martial law and mobilizing the military. Opposition lawmakers quickly convened to challenge the decree, forcing Yoon to withdraw the declaration hours later. This incident marked a turning point, eroding Yoon’s already waning public and political support.
A first impeachment attempt last week failed after the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. However, opposition lawmakers regrouped, leveraging Yoon’s martial law misstep to push through a second motion. The PPP’s decision to allow its members to participate in the secret ballot proved pivotal. While the party officially opposed impeachment, 12 PPP lawmakers joined the opposition, exceeding the minimum eight votes needed from the ruling party to secure impeachment.
Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party, called the impeachment a “public victory.” “The events of the past 10 days have been unprecedented in 2024,” he said, referring to Yoon’s insurrection attempt and subsequent impeachment.

Public Reaction: Demonstrations and Jubilation

Ahead of the vote, thousands gathered outside the National Assembly compound in Seoul’s Yeouido district. Braving cold temperatures in the low single digits Celsius, protesters waved signs and light sticks emblazoned with the Korean word for “impeachment” while chanting slogans demanding Yoon’s ouster.
The mood turned jubilant after the vote. Crowds sang and danced to live music, with K-pop hits like “The Next Level” by Aespa energizing the masses. A speaker onstage declared, “We, the South Korean people, could not live under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration anymore, so we made history today.”
Even high school students joined the celebrations. “We have a test on Monday, but we had to come here,” said Park Hyun-woong, who attended with friends. “Yoon tried to crush our country, but we showed that our system is stronger.”
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, a major umbrella organization, welcomed the impeachment, stating, “This is not the end. We must build a society where all workers’ rights are guaranteed.”

A Divided Parliament and Nation

The impeachment vote underscores deep divisions in South Korea’s political landscape. The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, spearheaded the motion, accusing Yoon of undermining democratic principles. The PPP’s internal dissent also played a crucial role. Despite officially opposing impeachment, the party’s internal debate lasted six hours before allowing members to vote freely.
Yoon’s actions drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Even some PPP lawmakers described his martial law attempt as “reckless” and “unconstitutional.” Political analysts believe this rare bipartisan consensus highlights the severity of the crisis.
However, Yoon’s supporters remain vocal. Protesters opposing impeachment gathered in smaller numbers, accusing the National Assembly of “overstepping its mandate” and questioning the legitimacy of the impeachment process.

What Happens Next?

The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide Yoon’s fate. If it upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, and a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. If the court overturns the decision, Yoon will resume his presidency.
Historically, South Korea has experienced few impeachments at the presidential level. The most notable case occurred in 2017, when Park Geun-hye was removed from office following a corruption scandal. Yoon’s case, however, is unique in its focus on alleged authoritarian overreach.
The impeachment has also sparked debates about potential reforms to South Korea’s presidential system. Critics argue that the current framework concentrates too much power in the executive branch, leaving room for abuse.

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Broader Implications for South Korea

Yoon’s impeachment marks a watershed moment in South Korea’s democratic evolution. It underscores the strength of institutional checks and balances, even in the face of significant political turmoil. The events of the past weeks have demonstrated the resilience of South Korea’s democratic framework, from the National Assembly’s decisive action to the public’s mobilization.
However, challenges remain. The political vacuum created by Yoon’s suspension could exacerbate existing economic and social issues, including a slowing economy, rising inequality, and heightened geopolitical tensions with North Korea and China. Acting President Han faces the unenviable task of steering the country through this period of uncertainty.
For many South Koreans, the impeachment represents both a victory for democracy and a cautionary tale about the fragility of political leadership. As the Constitutional Court deliberates, the nation holds its breath, awaiting the next chapter in this unprecedented political saga.