South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment vote after apologizing for declaring martial law.
After Yoon’s bungled declaration of martial law, opposition lawmakers were quick to schedule a vote for his impeachment. Many analysts believed that Yoon would resign before the vote took place. Instead, his anticipated speech offered an apology and pledge not to declare martial law again. Yoon then survived the impeachment vote after enough lawmakers of the governing People Power Party boycotted the proceedings, blocking a needed two-thirds majority to remove him from office.
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The opposition alliance took to the streets outside of parliament to protest. Another motion to impeach was introduced for the next available date — Dec. 11.
“We’ll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to the Republic of Korea,” opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung said. “We’ll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year’s end.”
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Another opposition lawmaker, Kim Joon-hyung, said Yoon was “done,” and won’t make it to the end of his term.
“The sooner that he resigns or is impeached, the better for our country,” he said.
Only one People Power Party lawmaker returned to vote, voting against the impeachment. Kim Sang-wook told journalists that the conservatism that “protects free Republic of Korea” must be preserved.
“I want to believe his words,” he said of Yoon’s apology, though clarified that he voted off of his party’s opinion, despite his personal issues with Yoon.
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In a two minute address, Yoon apologized for his declaration of martial law before the vote on Saturday, saying the declaration of martial law “stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs.”
“I am deeply sorry and sincerely apologize to the citizens who must have been greatly shocked,” he said, later adding that he “will not avoid the legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration.”
He promised not to declare martial law again.
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On Tuesday night, Yoon declared martial law for the first time in South Korea since 1980, and the first time since the country has been a democracy. His rationale was alleged pro-North Korean interests taking control of parliament and other “anti-state” forces. Immediately, opposition lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly, jumping over barricades and locking out special forces soldiers. Before the soldiers could enter the chamber, parliament unanimously voted to overturn martial law, leading to its end six hours later.
Those same lawmakers are now dead set on removing Yoon, though their first attempt has proven unsuccessful.
