In a dramatic political upheaval, South Korean lawmakers are seeking to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law, which lasted just six hours before being rescinded under mounting pressure.

On December 4, 2024, six opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party, submitted articles of impeachment against Yoon, citing his “unconstitutional and illegal” actions. The impeachment motion requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, with a vote potentially scheduled for the upcoming weekend.

Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned amid the fallout, claimed sole responsibility for the martial law declaration. The Democratic Party has also initiated impeachment proceedings against Interior Minister Lee Sang-min and is considering charges of insurrection against several key officials, including Yoon and military leaders involved in the martial law enforcement.

The martial law, the first in South Korea since 1980, was announced late Tuesday by Yoon, who accused opposition lawmakers of paralyzing the government and declared a state of emergency to “protect the constitutional order.” The proclamation prohibited all political activities and placed media under military control, alarming citizens who have experienced decades of democratic governance.

As public anxiety grew, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo reassured the nation, taking responsibility for the situation and pledging to restore stability. Meanwhile, Yoon’s chief of staff and senior aides resigned, but the president himself canceled his schedule and has not publicly addressed the crisis.

Internationally, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the lifting of martial law, emphasizing the importance of resolving political disagreements peacefully. The market reacted with a decline in South Korea’s stock indices, although the won regained some strength against the dollar.

The swift backlash against Yoon’s declaration highlights the deepening political rift in South Korea as his approval ratings dwindle amid ongoing conflicts with the opposition over budgetary issues and governance. Democratic lawmakers, rallying against the martial law, demonstrated their commitment to holding Yoon accountable.

As the nation reflects on a tumultuous night, lawmakers are poised to act decisively in the coming days, with the potential for significant political ramifications ahead.

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