South Korea Plunges Into Political Turmoil as President Impeached

Hand placing red figure on wooden block stairs.

South Korea plunges into political turmoil as President Yoon Suk-yeol faces impeachment, leaving the nation’s leadership in the hands of Acting President Han Duck-soo.

At a Glance

President Yoon Suk-yeol impeached for attempting to impose martial law.
Acting President Han Duck-soo reassures allies of South Korea’s stability.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung calls for swift ruling and cooperation.
Widespread protests and celebrations follow impeachment vote.
Constitutional Court has six months to decide Yoon’s fate.

Impeachment Shakes South Korean Politics

In a stunning turn of events, South Korea’s National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol, suspending him from office and thrusting the nation into a period of political uncertainty. The impeachment follows Yoon’s controversial attempt to declare martial law, which sparked widespread public outrage and a constitutional crisis. With 204 lawmakers voting in favor, including 12 from Yoon’s own party, the impeachment motion passed decisively, marking the third time in South Korean history that lawmakers have voted to remove a sitting president.

As the nation grapples with this political upheaval, Acting President Han Duck-soo, formerly the prime minister, has stepped in to lead the country through these turbulent times. Han’s primary focus has been on reassuring South Korea’s allies, particularly the United States, of the nation’s continued stability and commitment to its international obligations.

South Korea's opposition-led parliament impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, suspending him from official duties over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Under the constitution, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo becomes acting president https://t.co/ukb8MDX2C7 pic.twitter.com/PD05HAP9d7

— Reuters (@Reuters) December 14, 2024

Diplomatic Assurances and International Concerns

In a move to quell international concerns, Han Duck-soo spoke directly with U.S. President Joe Biden to affirm the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. This conversation was crucial in addressing worries about potential shifts in South Korea’s foreign policy, especially regarding the ongoing tensions with North Korea.

“South Korea will carry out its foreign and security policies without disruption and strive to ensure the South Korea-US alliance is maintained and developed steadfastly,” Han assured, emphasizing the continuity of the nation’s international commitments.

The impeachment has raised concerns among South Korea’s diplomatic partners, particularly regarding the country’s stance on North Korea. President Biden took the opportunity to reaffirm the strong U.S.-South Korea alliance and discuss recent North Korean military provocations, underscoring the importance of regional stability during this period of political transition.

Opposition’s Response and Call for Cooperation

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, has taken a measured approach to the crisis. In a surprising move, the opposition decided not to pursue impeachment proceedings against Han Duck-soo, citing the need to avoid further political confusion.

“Given that the prime minister has already been confirmed as acting president and considering that excessive impeachments could lead to confusion in national governance, we have decided not to proceed with impeachment procedures,” Lee stated, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to the situation.

Lee has called for a swift ruling on Yoon’s impeachment by the Constitutional Court and proposed establishing a special council for policy cooperation. This approach aims to ensure stable governance during this period of uncertainty while also addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.

Public Response and Future Uncertainties

The impeachment has sparked both widespread protests and celebrations across South Korea. Large demonstrations have been ongoing since Yoon’s martial law declaration on December 3, with a significant gathering outside the National Assembly following the impeachment vote.

As South Korea navigates this political storm, the Constitutional Court now has up to six months to decide on Yoon’s fate. If the court upholds the impeachment or if Yoon resigns, new elections will be held. The outcome of this process will have far-reaching implications for South Korea’s political landscape and its role on the international stage.