South Korean Opposition Leader Urges Impeachment of President Yoon Amid Political Crisis

South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, called for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, asserting that such action is the most effective way to restore order in the country. This statement comes ahead of a critical parliamentary vote scheduled for Saturday, following President Yoon’s brief yet contentious declaration of martial law on December 3.

Yoon’s six-hour imposition of military rule has plunged South Korea into a constitutional crisis, sparking widespread criticism and demands for his resignation for allegedly violating the law. Despite surviving an initial impeachment attempt last week due to a boycott by his People Power Party (PPP), momentum has shifted. Seven PPP lawmakers have since voiced support for impeachment, bringing the opposition closer to the 200-vote threshold needed for success when combined with the 192 opposition lawmakers.

On Thursday, President Yoon promised to "fight to the end," accusing the opposition of crippling government functions and alleging, without evidence, a North Korean cyberattack on the election commission that influenced his party’s defeat in the April parliamentary election. Lee Jae-myung condemned these comments as "a declaration of war" against the people, reinforcing the call for Yoon’s removal as the fastest way to resolve the political turmoil.

Should impeachment succeed, the case will proceed to the Constitutional Court, which has six months to decide on Yoon’s fate. Democratic Party leader Lee urged PPP members to "vote yes for impeachment," emphasizing that history will judge their decision.

The controversy intensified as Yoon’s claims about North Korean interference and election fraud faced rebuttals. The National Election Commission’s Secretary General, Kim Yong-bin, denied allegations of fraud, affirming that elections are conducted with paper ballots and that all 216 claims of irregularities have been dismissed by courts as baseless.

Yoon also faces a criminal investigation for alleged insurrection related to the martial law declaration, a move that Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul acknowledged has caused "serious damage" to South Korea’s diplomatic standing. Cho noted that he had warned Yoon about potential international fallout, with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell previously describing the decree as "deeply problematic" and "illegitimate."

Despite muted responses from Western allies, including the U.S., who have praised Yoon's revocation of the order, the political crisis continues to be closely monitored. South Korea’s finance ministry has signaled readiness to deploy market-stabilizing measures if needed, as shares rose for a fourth consecutive session on Friday amid hopes of easing uncertainty.

The situation unfolds as South Korea must navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly in anticipation of the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously clashed with Seoul on trade and defense issues. The global community, while cautious, remains engaged as South Korea’s political landscape faces unprecedented challenges.