South Korea's National Assembly Set to Decide on Impeachment of President Yoon
Click to start listening
Seoul, Dec 7 (NationPress) The National Assembly is ready to cast votes on Saturday regarding an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol, stemming from his unexpected announcement and rapid retraction of martial law, which has plunged South Korea into political disarray.
The political fate of Yoon has become uncertain after he abruptly declared martial law on Tuesday night, aiming to ban all political party activities and regulate the media. This declaration was rescinded six hours later after being rejected by 190 lawmakers in Parliament, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The primary opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP), along with five smaller opposition parties, previously submitted an impeachment motion, asserting that Yoon's declaration of martial law was a breach of the Constitution and other legal statutes.
A two-thirds majority is necessary to pass the motion, which requires backing from at least eight members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP).
Among the PPP lawmakers, Representative Cho Kyoung-tae has shown his support for Yoon's impeachment, marking the first instance of a ruling party member endorsing such a measure.
On Friday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon urged for the immediate suspension of Yoon's presidential responsibilities. Nevertheless, the ruling party later opted to uphold its position against the impeachment motion.
If the motion is approved, the Constitutional Court will determine whether to restore or oust Yoon from his position.
If the court's decision affirms the motion, Yoon would become the second president in history to face impeachment, following former President Park Geun-hye in 2017.
The DP is also aiming to initiate a revote on a bill demanding a special counsel investigation into First Lady Kim Keo Hee regarding allegations of corruption and election interference during the plenary session on Saturday.
This bill, which has been vetoed by Yoon for the third time, requires a two-thirds majority to override the veto.
