South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment after controversial martial law decree

South Korean lawmakers have submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, hours after he abruptly imposed and then lifted martial law in a move that shocked the nation.

The declaration, which lasted just six hours, saw troops surrounding the National Assembly, blocking lawmakers from entering before they overturned the decree with a unanimous vote of 190-0.

President Yoon declared martial law late Tuesday, citing the need to eliminate “anti-state” forces after facing resistance to his agenda in the opposition-dominated parliament. However, the National Assembly swiftly rejected the decree, calling it unconstitutional.

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“President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution,” said the opposition Democratic Party in a statement. “It was a grave act of rebellion and provides perfect grounds for his impeachment.”

Impeaching Yoon requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-member parliament and the support of six Constitutional Court justices.

The Democratic Party and smaller opposition parties hold 192 seats, but the decisive rejection of Yoon’s martial law included votes from 18 lawmakers in his own People Power Party. The party’s leader, Han Dong-hun, criticized the declaration as “unconstitutional” and demanded Yoon dismiss Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who reportedly recommended the decree.

Under South Korea’s constitution, martial law can only be declared during war, war-like situations, or comparable emergencies. Critics argue that Yoon’s move lacked any legal or factual basis. Natalia Slavney, an analyst with the Stimson Center’s 38 North, described it as “a serious backslide of democracy” and part of a “worrying trend of abuse” since Yoon took office in 2022.

During Yoon’s televised announcement, he labeled opposition lawmakers as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens,” though he did not provide evidence to support the claim. The dramatic imposition of martial law saw troops in full battle gear encircling the National Assembly and military helicopters landing nearby. Protesters gathered outside, demanding the decree be lifted. One soldier was seen pointing an assault rifle at a woman, though no major violence was reported.

As lawmakers streamed into the National Assembly to overturn the decree, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung livestreamed himself climbing over a wall to reach the parliamentary chamber. Troops and police eventually withdrew following the vote. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik remarked, “Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military.”

The impeachment motion faces procedural hurdles. The Constitutional Court currently has only six justices due to recent retirements, one short of the minimum needed to rule on an impeachment case. Lawmakers must expedite the appointment of new justices to proceed. If impeached, Yoon would be stripped of his powers, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo temporarily assuming presidential duties.

The martial law declaration, the first in over 40 years, has left South Korea grappling with its implications for democracy. While the streets of Seoul appeared calm Wednesday, with tourists and residents going about their day, the political landscape remains deeply unsettled.