South Korea’s National Assembly is preparing for a pivotal vote on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. The motion, set for Saturday, marks the legislature’s second attempt following Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which has sparked controversy and political divisions.
Momentum for the impeachment is growing, with increasing support from members of Yoon’s ruling People’s Power Party (PPP). According to the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper, an additional PPP lawmaker, speaking anonymously, announced their intention to back the motion. This brings the number of ruling party lawmakers supporting impeachment to seven. They join 192 opposition and independent lawmakers who voted in favor of the motion last week.
To pass, the impeachment motion requires at least 200 votes in the 300-member National Assembly, meaning eight votes from PPP members would suffice if the opposition remains united.
On Thursday, 190 lawmakers from six opposition parties, including the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), submitted a revised impeachment motion. The vote is scheduled for Saturday.
In the motion, opposition lawmakers stated: “The defendant has committed the crime of insurrection, disturbing the peace of the entire Republic of Korea by declaring emergency martial law in violation of established requirements and procedures.”
Unlike the first motion, the second iteration omits criticism of Yoon’s foreign policy, which had been labeled “bizarre.” Instead, it emphasizes a firm commitment to diplomatic relations. Kang Sun-woo, chairman of the Democratic Party’s international affairs committee, addressed foreign media on Thursday, saying: “The Democratic Party recognizes and firmly supports the importance of the ROK-US alliance, which plays a key role in the prosperity and peace of the Republic of Korea and East Asia. We will also pioneer friendly and cooperative relations between Korea and Japan.”
