Political Crisis in South Korea: President Yoon Faces Impeachment After Rescinded Martial Law

South Korea plunged into political turmoil on Wednesday as lawmakers introduced an impeachment bill against President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his abrupt declaration of martial law, which was rescinded mere hours later. The dramatic events unfolded in the wake of a tense standoff between parliament and the military, testing the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions.

The crisis began when President Yoon declared martial law, citing the need to protect the nation from “pro-North Korean anti-state forces” and preserve its constitutional order. The declaration included a ban on political activity and media censorship, triggering immediate backlash from lawmakers and civic groups. Armed troops stormed the National Assembly in Seoul, only to be repelled by parliamentary aides using fire extinguishers, while protesters clashed with police outside.

Within hours, South Korea’s 300-member parliament convened, with 190 members—including 18 from Yoon’s own party—unanimously voting to revoke martial law. The president rescinded the declaration six hours after its proclamation, but the damage was done. Protests erupted across the capital, with demonstrators chanting “We won!” as they marched toward the presidential office.

In response, six opposition parties submitted an impeachment bill against Yoon, accusing him of undermining democracy. “We cannot ignore this illegal martial law,” stated Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Kim Yong-min. A plenary session was scheduled to formally introduce the bill, with a vote expected by the end of the week.

If passed, the motion would advance to South Korea’s Constitutional Court, which would require six out of nine justices to confirm the impeachment. Should Yoon be removed, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume leadership until a new election is held within 60 days.

Yoon’s actions sparked widespread condemnation. Civic and labor groups organized candlelight vigils reminiscent of the protests that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017. Internationally, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed relief over the lifting of martial law, urging for political disagreements to be resolved peacefully.

China referred to the crisis as an “internal matter,” while Russia voiced concern over the “tragic” events. The turmoil also disrupted planned U.S.-South Korea defense talks and joint military exercises, as Seoul hosts 28,500 American troops due to its legacy from the Korean War.

The crisis rattled South Korean markets, with the KOSPI stock index falling by 1.3%. Major companies, including Naver Corp and LG Electronics, advised employees to work from home. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok promised “unlimited liquidity” to stabilize financial markets.

Martial law has a contentious history in South Korea, invoked more than a dozen times since the nation’s establishment in 1948. This latest declaration, the first since 1980, evokes memories of authoritarian rule, further alienating Yoon from a public already disenchanted with his leadership.

President Yoon, who narrowly won the presidency in 2022, has seen his approval ratings hover around 20% amid accusations of heavy-handed leadership and a hardline stance on labor unions. Critics argue his rhetoric, labeling opponents as “communist totalitarian forces,” has deepened divisions.

Analysts suggest that while South Korea may have averted a constitutional crisis, Yoon’s political future remains uncertain. “South Korea dodged a bullet, but President Yoon may have shot himself in the foot,” remarked Danny Russel, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute.

As the impeachment process unfolds, the nation watches closely, mindful of the fragile balance between democratic governance and political stability.