South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared he would “fight to the end” on Thursday as his political career teetered on the brink, with members of his own party signaling support for his impeachment.
In a televised address, Yoon fiercely defended his controversial martial law declaration earlier this month, which he claimed was necessary to address alleged North Korean interference in the country’s electoral system. However, his explanation failed to quell growing dissent within the ruling People Power Party (PPP).
Party leader Han Dong-hoon urged members to support the impeachment motion alongside the opposition, while at least two PPP lawmakers publicly announced their intent to vote against Yoon. The opposition needs eight votes from PPP members to secure the two-thirds majority required to impeach the president.
Yoon’s fiery address may have further isolated him. He accused the opposition Democratic Party of orchestrating a “sword dance of madness” to unseat him and reiterated his readiness to face impeachment proceedings. “I will fight to the end,” Yoon said.
The crisis deepened following Yoon’s martial law order on December 3, which he rescinded hours later amid public outrage. The order saw troops enter the National Election Commission’s (NEC) premises, citing an alleged North Korean hack. The NEC denied any compromise to the election system and criticized Yoon for undermining democratic institutions.
The fallout from Yoon’s actions has led to criminal investigations and calls for his resignation, with the PPP split between supporting the embattled president and embracing the opposition’s demand for accountability.
If impeached, Yoon’s case will go to the Constitutional Court, which will decide within six months whether to remove him from office. The outcome could have profound implications for South Korea’s political stability and its alliance with the United States.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, defended his actions as a necessary response to threats against national security and the rule of law. However, critics, including members of his party, argue that his leadership has plunged the country into its gravest political crisis in decades.
The second impeachment vote is scheduled for Saturday, with South Korea’s future political landscape hanging in the balance.
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