Seoul: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly avoided impeachment on Saturday after a dramatic vote in the opposition-controlled parliament fell short of the required threshold. The motion, triggered by Yoon’s controversial but short-lived declaration of martial law earlier in the week, was voided as only 195 lawmakers participated, falling short of the 200 votes needed for it to proceed.
Speaker Woo Won-shik expressed regret over the insufficient turnout, emphasizing the significance of the decision. "The eyes of the nation and the world were on this assembly today," he remarked. The Democratic Party, the main opposition force, vowed to renew its impeachment effort, while Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) called for a "more measured and responsible" resolution to the escalating crisis.
The uproar began on Tuesday when Yoon stunned the nation by granting the military broad emergency powers to combat what he described as "anti-state forces" and political obstructionism. Parliament swiftly overruled the decree in a rare unanimous vote, forcing Yoon to rescind the order after just six hours. However, the move plunged South Korea into its most severe political turmoil in decades, jeopardizing its standing as a democratic beacon and key U.S. ally in Asia.
The impeachment effort required at least eight votes from PPP lawmakers to succeed but ultimately failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. While some PPP members voted, most boycotted the session after addressing a separate motion. Only three from the party supported impeachment, prompting heated reactions from protesters who gathered outside parliament, many of whom shouted at departing lawmakers.
Amid mounting public outrage, Yoon issued an apology on Saturday but resisted calls to resign. He stressed his commitment to stabilizing the political climate, leaving decisions about his future to his party. "There will be no second attempt at martial law," Yoon declared in a somber televised address, standing beside the South Korean flag and bowing deeply at the conclusion of his remarks.
Protests reminiscent of the demonstrations that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2016 have erupted across the country. Thousands of candle-wielding demonstrators took to the streets Friday and Saturday, demanding Yoon’s removal from office. Protester Choi Yong-ho, 60, expressed determination to continue the fight. "We must make our voices heard," he said.
PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, who has openly criticized Yoon, argued that the president’s position was untenable and called for his resignation. While Han initially described Yoon as a danger to the nation, most PPP members ultimately closed ranks, citing concerns over the potential disruption of state functions if the impeachment succeeded.
Yoon’s martial law declaration, citing threats from "North Korean communist forces" and "pro-North anti-state actors," marked the first such order since 1980. The move sparked international condemnation, including rare criticism from U.S. officials. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled a planned visit to South Korea in response.
If Yoon were to step down before his term ends in 2027, the constitution mandates a new presidential election within 60 days. For now, however, the crisis underscores the fragile balance in South Korea’s democracy, with the nation grappling with its most profound political challenges in recent memory.