Impeachment of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol fails

Sunday, December 8, 2024 

On Saturday, motions to impeach South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol failed when most members of the People Power Party (his ruling party) did not participate in the National Assembly session to ratify an impeachment trial.

The vote came after President Yoon declared and lifted martial law on Tuesday, a move that left many citizens of the country taken aback.

Members of the president's own ruling party, such as People Power Party head Han Dong-hoon, brought into question his fitness to serve in office, and some made calls for his resignation.

In a televised appearance, Yoon apologized to his constituents for giving rise to nationwide apprehension.

Some speculated that Yoon's decision to declare martial law was motivated by his recent political adversity, including a scandal from last month involving his alleged misuse of influence over the People Power Party, which he denied. Yoon was previously been attacked by former political opponents for his perceived imprudence.

Yoon's declaration on Tuesday was immediately met with backlash from lawmakers. Although the South Korean constitution allows for the president to enact martial law in response to extreme circumstances, it also allows for the National Assembly to annul this decision through a majority vote. In this case, the vote was 190-0.

Political unrest and nationwide protests were reportedly expected in response to the axing of the impeachment.

Martial law has been declared in South Korea several times throughout the nation's history.

• Foster Klug. "What to know about martial law and the impeachment vote threatening South Korea’s president" — AP Press, December 7, 2024
• Jack Kim. "South Korea's Yoon: Embittered survivor staggers on after impeachment vote" — Reuters, December 7, 2024