South Korean opposition parties have submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after he declared martial law, only to reverse the move hours later. The surprise declaration late on Tuesday led to a standoff with parliament, which rejected the ban on political activity and media censorship. The Swedish Prime Minister has postponed his visit to South Korea, and opposition party members are preparing for a vote on impeachment as early as Friday. President Yoon cited defense against North Korea and pro-North anti-state forces as reasons for martial law, but failed to provide specific threats.
After parliament unanimously passed a motion requiring martial law to be lifted, including all members present from the president’s party, Yoon rescinded the declaration. The largest union coalition, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, has called for strikes until Yoon resigns and plans a rally in Seoul. South Korean stocks opened down, and protests have erupted across the country. The country’s democracy was almost derailed by Yoon’s actions, and his cabinet members have filed to resign.
If the impeachment bill passes with a two-thirds majority in parliament, the legal process could take months. The National Assembly can impeach the president, and international leaders have expressed concern about the crisis. South Korea, a democracy since the 1980s and a US ally, is facing political and economic instability. President Yoon’s decision to declare martial law and subsequent reversal has left the nation in shock and anger, with calls for his resignation or impeachment mounting.
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