South Korea's parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his refusal to resign over a failed martial law attempt. This marks the second impeachment of a South Korean leader in less than a decade and suspends Yoon's powers pending a Constitutional Court decision.
The impeachment came after Yoon declared martial law on December 3, a move that backfired as lawmakers and the public called for his removal. Despite surviving an initial impeachment attempt, Yoon's ruling party turned against him, leading to his suspension.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Seoul ahead of the vote, while the president's supporters also rallied. If confirmed by the Constitutional Court, Yoon will be the second South Korean president to be impeached, following Park Geun-hye.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president during the impeachment process, adding to the political uncertainty. Yoon's tenure has been marred by low approval ratings, scandals, and political gridlock with the opposition-majority parliament.
Yoon's declaration of martial law, accusing the opposition of anti-state activities, was met with shock and led to investigations into treason allegations. The president's actions have sparked widespread condemnation and legal scrutiny.
The impeachment crisis has plunged South Korea into a period of political turmoil reminiscent of past struggles for democracy. The country now faces months of uncertainty as it navigates the aftermath of this unprecedented political showdown.
