South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, following his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3. The impeachment motion was carried with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, three abstentions, and eight invalid ballots.
The vote took place amidst massive rival rallies in Seoul, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to either support or oppose Yoon. The opposition celebrated the impeachment as a “victory of the people”.
As a result of the impeachment, Yoon has been suspended from office, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has taken over as the interim leader. The Constitutional Court will now deliberate on the vote and decide whether to remove Yoon from office permanently.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by the opposition-led parliament over his attempt to impose martial law. The impeachment motion was carried with 204 votes in favor, exceeding the required two-thirds threshold.
The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide on Yoon’s future, during which time Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president. Yoon’s impeachment has sparked mixed reactions, with hundreds of thousands of people gathering outside parliament to celebrate the decision, while a smaller group of around 30,000 supporters rallied in his defense.
Yoon has vowed to continue fighting, claiming the opposition is working with communist forces. However, opposition leader Park Chan-dae hailed the impeachment as a “great victory of the people”.
The main opposition Democratic Party in South Korea has been vocal about impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol, stating it’s the only way to “safeguard the Constitution, the rule of law, democracy, and South Korea’s future.” This comes after Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law, which has led to widespread protests and a significant drop in his approval ratings – down to 11% according to a recent Gallup Korea poll.
The protests have been well-organized, with volunteers providing free hand warmers, coffee, and food to demonstrators. Even K-pop singer Yuri from the band Girl’s Generation has shown her support by pre-paying for food for fans attending the rally.
If the Constitutional Court backs Yoon’s removal, he’ll become the second president in South Korean history to be successfully impeached. However, there’s also precedent for the court to block impeachment, as seen in 2004 with then-president Roh Moo-hyun.
https://poftv.com/index.php/2024/12/14/breaking-news-south-korean
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has taken over as acting president, bringing his extensive experience and reputation for rationality to the role.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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