South Korean Legislature Votes to Impeach President Yoon
The South Korean parliament has moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his recent brief declaration of martial law. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The South Korean parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his recent brief imposition of martial law. On Saturday, the National Assembly supported the measure with a vote of 204 to 85, surpassing the necessary threshold of 200 votes.
All 300 members of the legislature were present for the secret ballot, though three abstained and eight ballots were deemed invalid. As a result of the National Assembly's decision, Yoon is automatically suspended from his role. The South Korean Constitutional Court now has a maximum of 180 days to reach a decision regarding his removal from office. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as the interim president.
“This is a victory for the South Korean people and for democracy,” said Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, shortly after the impeachment vote.
Yoon previously survived an impeachment attempt the previous Saturday when his People Power Party opted to boycott the vote. However, the party changed its position this week after its attempts to persuade the president to resign voluntarily were unsuccessful. “We tried to find a better way than impeachment, but that other way is invalid,” stated party leader Han Dong-hoon. “Suspending the president from his duties through impeachment is the only way for now, to defend democracy and the republic.”
The political turmoil began on December 3 when Yoon made a surprise televised speech, announcing a state of emergency martial law, claiming that the opposition, which he accused of having pro-North Korea sympathies, was allegedly planning a “rebellion.” Within hours, 190 lawmakers, who managed to reach the National Assembly despite military barriers, unanimously voted to revoke the decree. In protest against the president's actions, thousands took to the streets.
Less than six hours after the declaration, Yoon decided to withdraw his decision. During his previous address, he defended his actions, characterizing the martial law declaration as a “highly calibrated political judgment.” He asserted it was intended to “protect the nation” against the opposition’s efforts to obstruct governmental operations.
“I will stand firm whether I am impeached or investigated. I will fight to the end,” the president committed.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
All 300 members of the legislature were present for the secret ballot, though three abstained and eight ballots were deemed invalid. As a result of the National Assembly's decision, Yoon is automatically suspended from his role. The South Korean Constitutional Court now has a maximum of 180 days to reach a decision regarding his removal from office. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as the interim president.
“This is a victory for the South Korean people and for democracy,” said Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, shortly after the impeachment vote.
Yoon previously survived an impeachment attempt the previous Saturday when his People Power Party opted to boycott the vote. However, the party changed its position this week after its attempts to persuade the president to resign voluntarily were unsuccessful. “We tried to find a better way than impeachment, but that other way is invalid,” stated party leader Han Dong-hoon. “Suspending the president from his duties through impeachment is the only way for now, to defend democracy and the republic.”
The political turmoil began on December 3 when Yoon made a surprise televised speech, announcing a state of emergency martial law, claiming that the opposition, which he accused of having pro-North Korea sympathies, was allegedly planning a “rebellion.” Within hours, 190 lawmakers, who managed to reach the National Assembly despite military barriers, unanimously voted to revoke the decree. In protest against the president's actions, thousands took to the streets.
Less than six hours after the declaration, Yoon decided to withdraw his decision. During his previous address, he defended his actions, characterizing the martial law declaration as a “highly calibrated political judgment.” He asserted it was intended to “protect the nation” against the opposition’s efforts to obstruct governmental operations.
“I will stand firm whether I am impeached or investigated. I will fight to the end,” the president committed.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
