Impeachment against South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol fails
8 December 2024
Late on December 3 in Seoul (local time), President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, saying the measure was needed to “defend the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces”. Yoon quickly lifted the martial law, following a parliamentary vote and mass protests.
After a tumultuous 24 hours in South Korea last week, opposition parties formally submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Yoon's initial announcement of martial law was met with shock across the country. Within six hours, Yoon revoked the order following intense backlash from both sides of the political divide and from South Korean citizens.
Late last week, the main opposition Democratic party and five other opposition parties presented an impeachment notice to parliament, stating Yoon “gravely and extensively violated the constitution and the law”.
South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol announcing martial law late on Tuesday night (Korean time). Image: Wikimedia Commons
However, the opposition's move to impeach Yoon ultimately failed. Six parties backed the motion, but they needed at least eight lawmakers from Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) to reach the 200 votes needed for it to pass. South Korea's National Assembly has 300 seats. The opposition holds a majority with 192 seats, but for the impeachment motion, two thirds of the members need to support it.
PPP said it would not support the impeachment motion.
The motion went to a vote on Saturday, December 7 and failed, as PPP party members boycotted the vote.
How did South Korea get here?
On Tuesday, Yoon appeared on South Korean television shortly before 10.30pm (local time) to announce martial law. Shortly after, South Korean troops entered the grounds of parliament and set up barricades, sealing the National Assembly in an apparent attempt to prevent lawmakers from entering.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, South Korean lawmakers - from both sides of politics - rushed to parliament. 190 National Assembly members - including those from Yoon's own conservative People Power Party - voted unanimously against Yoon's measure. Under the South Korean constitution, a vote to lift martial law must be respected.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, told AP “Democratic Party lawmakers, including me and many others, will protect our country’s democracy and future and public safety, lives and properties, with our own lives”
Members of South Korea's opposition at a candlelit vigil calling for Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment . Image: Wikimedia Commons
Outside the building, South Koreans gathered in protests, with reports of people chanting 'no to martial law'.
Only hours after making the announcement, Yoon said he would revoke martial law after the National Assembly's vote.
This was the first time since in four decades that martial law has been declared in South Korea.
We've rounded up some key headlines of what unfolded:
What unfolded on Tuesday night in Seoul: A timeline - Korea Herald
Transcript: President Yoon Suk Yeol’s speech to declare emergency martial law - Korea JoongAng Daily
'Is this happening in 2024?' South Koreans in panic, disbelief - Korea Herald
South Korea parliament rejects president's martial law declaration - Reuters
Global Alarm as South Korea Declares Martial Law
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected declaration of martial law sparked a wave of concern both domestically and internationally, sending shockwaves through diplomatic circles. The move prompted neighbouring nations and global powers to issue warnings, urging their citizens in South Korea to exercise heightened vigilance as the situation developed.
The Japanese Embassy in Seoul was quick to issue an advisory, describing the situation as fluid and urging Japanese nationals to stay informed and cautious. Similarly, the Chinese Embassy released a notice urging its citizens to remain calm, limit unnecessary outings, and enhance their safety awareness. This response came shortly after discussions between President Yoon and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Peru, where both leaders pledged to work towards regional stability.
Other nations in the region also responded. The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs reminded Filipinos in South Korea to follow local guidelines and prioritise their safety. Singapore’s embassy stated it was “closely monitoring” developments, while the Royal Thai Embassy advised its citizens to avoid protest areas and refrain from visiting Parliament.
Photo source: Embassy of the Republic of Singapore’s Facebook Page.
As an additional precaution, the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul advised its citizens in South Korea to steer clear of areas where demonstrations are taking place and to avoid travelling to Parliament.
Reaction of the international community
The global community has responded with growing concern to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s sudden declaration of martial law, with nations and international organisations urging caution and closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation.
New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry described the developments as a “serious” concern, urging New Zealanders in South Korea to register on the Safe Travel website. “This is an evolving situation,” a spokesperson said. “A martial law declaration to control democratic institutions and media is a serious development, and we are monitoring it closely.”
In Australia, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher emphasised the uncertainty surrounding the crisis, advising Australians in South Korea to avoid mass gatherings and adhere to official advice. Speaking to ABC News Breakfast, Gallagher noted the government had been briefed by relevant agencies and reiterated the importance of staying informed as the full implications of the martial law declaration are assessed.
“I think that the best message that we can give on this unfolding situation is for any Australians in South Korea to really listen to official advice and stay away from some of the mass gatherings as we continue to get across and understand the full implications of what’s happened overnight,” she said.
Russia expressed concern over the situation, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirming that Moscow is “closely monitoring” the developments.
The UK government echoed similar sentiments, updating travel advisories for South Korea and cautioning British nationals to avoid political demonstrations. A deputy spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the unfolding events as “very fast-moving” and encouraged citizens to stay updated and follow local guidance.
The United Nations has also voiced concern, with Secretary-General António Guterres’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stating that the UN is observing the political upheaval “very closely.”
In the United States, President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation during his visit to Angola, as the White House described the martial law declaration as “seriously concerning.” A National Security Council spokesperson confirmed that the US is in close contact with the South Korean government and monitoring the situation. Biden acknowledged the gravity of the developments, noting that this marks the first declaration of martial law in South Korea in more than 40 years.
Following Yoon's reversal on martial law, the White House said it was "relieved" at the situation.
The US State Department reaffirmed its commitment to the alliance with South Korea while urging for the peaceful resolution of disputes. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell highlighted the importance of adhering to democratic principles, while State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasised the expectation that South Korean laws, including the National Assembly vote blocking the martial law decree, would be upheld.
President Yoon has justified his actions as a necessary measure to counter perceived threats from North Korea and accused the opposition of being “anti-state forces.” Despite these assertions, his decision has drawn sharp criticism domestically, with Parliament voting overwhelmingly to reject the move.
The US, which maintains 28,500 troops in South Korea as a deterrent against North Korea, has expressed hope for stability in its long-standing ally. President Yoon has been a close partner to Washington, hosting a global democracy summit earlier this year and strengthening trilateral cooperation with the US and Japan to counter North Korea and China’s growing regional influence.
Following Donald Trump’s election victory in November, the South Korean President extended his congratulations to the Republican, expressing his hope to collaborate closely with the incoming US administration.
As the crisis unfolds, the international community continues to urge calm, vigilance, and respect for democratic norms.
South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol alongside American president Joe Biden. Photo source: Wikipedia
Banner image: Wikimedia Commons
Asia Media Centre