’Will step aside’, says President Yoon Suk Yeol as South Korean parliament votes to impeach him over martial law order
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for attempting to impose martial law. He announced plans to step aside after the National Assembly's vote but remains determined to fight for his political future.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached on Saturday over his recent attempt to impose martial law in the country. The top official said he would "step aside" after the National Assembly voted against him but vowed to fight for his political future. He was suspended from official duties in the evening — with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo taking over his role.
"Although I am stopping for now, the journey I have walked with the people over the past two and a half years toward the future must never come to a halt. I will never give up," he said in a televised address.
Yoon currently remains in office with his presidential powers suspended halfway through his five-year term. The Constitutional Court will decide whether to remove him sometime in the next six months. A snap election will be called if he is formally removed from office.
The President had stunned South Koreans late on December 3 after sending heavily armed soldiers into the streets of Seoul — declaring martial law for the first time since 1980. He claimed in a live telecast that the move would “eliminate anti-state elements plundering people's freedom and happiness”. Chaotic scenes unfolded within hours of the declaration — with lawmakers eventually climbing the walls of the National Assembly compound to reverse the order.
The President had narrowly avoided impeachment last week after his party boycotted the vote. The motion was scrapped after the tally failed to reach 200 votes. The Opposition — which holds 192 seats in the 300-member National Assembly — had also vowed to make a fresh attempt in the coming days. The impeachment motion was carried on Saturday afternoon after at least 12 members of his People Power Party joined the opposition lawmakers. A two-thirds majority is required in order to impeach the President.
Critics have labeled the short-lived declaration an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup”. Yoon has also faced mounting public pressure to resign over the past few days — with tens of thousands gathering in various parts of Seoul to protest.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Business NewsNewsWorld’Will step aside’, says President Yoon Suk Yeol as South Korean parliament votes to impeach him over martial law order
First Published:14 Dec 2024, 04:12 PM IST
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