The leader of South Korea’s main opposition party was taken aback when he first saw President Yoon Suk Yeol's late-night martial law announcement, initially mistaking it for a deepfake video. The decree, declared in an extraordinary late-night television address, was swiftly overturned by lawmakers who stormed into parliament.
South Korea, known for its vibrant democracy and protected freedoms, was left reeling by the sudden imposition of martial law, a stark reminder of the country's authoritarian past. Following widespread protests and demands for the president's removal, opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party (DP), have initiated impeachment proceedings against President Yoon.
DP leader Lee Jae-myung, who contested against Yoon in the recent presidential election, spearheaded the impeachment efforts. In a dramatic turn of events, Lee live-streamed his rush to parliament to join lawmakers in voting against the martial law decree, a video that quickly went viral.
The impeachment vote could take place as early as Saturday, with the outcome determining the future of Yoon's presidency. While the ruling People Power Party aims to thwart the impeachment process, several of its members sided with the opposition in rejecting the martial law decree.
Lawmakers, including opposition member Kang Sun-woo, have remained within the parliament building since the incident, fearing another martial law declaration. The political turmoil has left the country on edge, with uncertainties surrounding Yoon's leadership and the broader implications for South Korea's political landscape.
Lee, a former provincial governor, faces multiple legal challenges, including bribery allegations and a property development scandal. Despite the charges, he maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the convictions.
