South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol Steps Aside After Impeachment

India(14 December, 2024): In a dramatic turn of events on December 14, 2024, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol faced impeachment after a tumultuous political battle. The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to remove him from office, with 204 lawmakers in favour and 85 voting against. This historic decision stemmed from allegations of insurrection linked to Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law in the country.

Yoon’s Response: Stepping Aside but Not Giving Up

Despite the impeachment, Yoon vowed to continue his efforts for South Korea until the very end. "Though I must now step aside for a while, the journey toward the future... must never come to a stop," he declared in a televised address. His resolve to serve his nation stood firm, even as his presidential duties were suspended.

The Impeachment Motion: Charges of Insurrection

The impeachment motion, which accused Yoon of insurrection, passed with a two-thirds majority vote. Lawmakers criticized his actions, claiming he had staged riots and threatened the National Assembly and the public. His decision to impose martial law, a move seen as an overreach of presidential power, was met with backlash from both opposition parties and the general public.

Prime Minister Takes Over as Acting President

Following Yoon’s impeachment, the Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo, assumed the role of acting president. This transition marks a critical moment in the country’s political landscape as Yoon’s leadership is temporarily halted, and the nation braces for potential changes in governance.

Yoon's Impeachment: A Symbol of Democracy

The impeachment of President Yoon did not just represent a political shift but also a victory for the people of South Korea. Outside the National Assembly, massive crowds gathered in celebration. Demonstrators waved banners and colourful K-pop glow sticks, expressing their joy over what they saw as a win for democratic values.

Martial Law Attempt: The Spark for Impeachment

The controversy surrounding Yoon’s impeachment began with his attempt to impose martial law on December 3, 2024. Yoon cited national security concerns and the need to address political support for North Korea as reasons for his drastic move. However, many opposition leaders and experts saw it as a dangerous attempt to undermine South Korea’s democratic principles.

South Korea's Political Unrest: A Historical Moment

This impeachment marked the second such attempt against President Yoon. The first attempt had failed just days earlier when many ruling party lawmakers chose to boycott the vote. Despite the setbacks, the ongoing political unrest reflects the strong public desire to uphold democratic norms in South Korea, a country with a rich history of democratic struggle.

The People’s Role in Protecting Democracy

As the impeachment unfolded, South Korean citizens were quick to show their support for democracy. Crowds of protestors gathered outside the parliament, chanting slogans and celebrating what they believed was a win for constitutional order. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik echoed the sentiment, calling Yoon’s impeachment a triumph of the people's courage and commitment to democracy.