Lawmakers have moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his abrupt declaration of martial law, which he rescinded hours later amid intense backlash. The order, citing vague threats, attempted to curb political activity and censor media, sparking chaos and protests across Seoul.
Parliament swiftly overturned the martial law decision, and opposition parties introduced an impeachment bill, set for a vote by the weekend. “We can no longer let democracy collapse,” said lawmaker Kim Yong-min.
Global markets reacted negatively, with South Korea’s KOSPI index falling 1.4%. Critics called Yoon’s actions unconstitutional, while protests drew comparisons to the 2017 movement that ousted former President Park Geun-hye.
If impeached, Yoon’s fate will depend on a Constitutional Court ruling, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo poised to lead temporarily. The crisis has shaken South Korea’s democracy and raised questions about Yoon’s leadership.
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