South Korea plunged into political turmoil this week as President Yoon Suk Yeol faced mounting criticism over his brief declaration of martial law, which he later rescinded under intense parliamentary pressure. The fallout has ignited debates within the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and prompted the opposition Democratic Party to push for his impeachment.
On Tuesday, President Yoon shocked the nation by granting the military sweeping emergency powers, citing the need to combat "anti-state forces" and counter political obstruction. The declaration was met with swift backlash, including a rare bipartisan vote in parliament opposing the decree. The order was revoked just six hours later.
The Democratic Party has submitted a motion to impeach Yoon, with a vote scheduled for Saturday evening. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling PPP, raised alarm during a meeting at parliament on Friday, alleging Yoon had ordered the arrest of prominent politicians under the guise of targeting "anti-state forces."
“President Yoon Suk Yeol’s immediate suspension of office is necessary to protect the Republic of Korea and its people in light of the newly revealed facts,” Han said, though he stopped short of explicitly endorsing impeachment.
The presidential office denied allegations of arrest orders, and Acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho dismissed reports of a renewed attempt to impose martial law as unfounded.
The ruling party’s stance on impeachment appears divided. While some PPP lawmakers urged Yoon to resign to prevent further damage, others warned against handing power to the Democratic Party. To pass, the impeachment motion requires two-thirds support in the 300-member National Assembly. With the PPP holding 108 seats, at least eight members would need to side with the opposition.
If impeached, Yoon’s powers would be suspended pending a Constitutional Court trial, with the prime minister assuming interim leadership.
National police and military prosecutors have launched investigations into the president and former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly encouraged the martial law declaration before resigning. Special warfare commander Kwak Jong-geun revealed he defied orders to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament, stating, “I knew it would be disobedience, but I told my troops not to go in.”
The chaos stirred painful memories of South Korea’s military rule during the post-World War II era. Viral images of Democratic Party spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong confronting soldiers outside parliament have become emblematic of public defiance. “Who could trust a president declaring martial law almost like a child playing games?” Ahn said.
Public sentiment has turned sharply against Yoon, with his approval rating dropping to a record low of 13%, according to a Gallup Korea poll. Critics across the political spectrum argue the president’s actions have eroded trust in his leadership.
As the impeachment vote looms, South Korea faces an uncertain political future, with the crisis threatening to destabilize the nation’s democratic institutions.