Massive protests erupted in South Korea, with over 100,000 citizens demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Following a failed martial law attempt, Yoon’s party boycotted parliamentary proceedings to obstruct the impeachment vote. Despite Yoon’s public apology and desire for an orderly resignation, tensions within his party and increasing opposition support for impeachment, backed by significant public sentiment, suggest an impending political crisis reminiscent of past upheavals in the country.
Massive Protests Erupt in South Korea
The state crisis in South Korea escalated dramatically on Saturday as over 100,000 protesters converged outside the parliament, demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Major television networks broadcasted the unfolding events live from the National Assembly, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Political Maneuvering and Tensions in Parliament
Just four days following his unsuccessful attempt to consolidate power through martial law, the parliament was set to deliberate on impeachment at the request of opposition parties. However, Yoon’s conservative People Power Party thwarted the vote by having 105 of its 108 members boycott the session.
This political drama appeared to be strategically orchestrated. Initially, members of Yoon’s party were present to block the formation of a special investigative committee aimed at looking into allegations against the president’s wife, Kim Keon Hee. They then utilized a parliamentary rule that required a quorum of 200 out of 300 members to address any agenda item.
Although the parliament speaker attempted to call the boycott members back, this maneuver seemingly allowed the ruling party to evade a public confrontation for now. A two-thirds majority was necessary for impeachment, which meant that the opposition, holding only 192 seats, needed eight defections from Yoon’s party to succeed. By walking out, the ruling party members avoided taking a definitive stance, prolonging Yoon’s political crisis.
Han Dong-hoon, the People Power Party chairman, expressed to the media that the party would seek to facilitate an orderly resignation for Yoon to reduce public confusion. He emphasized a transparent approach to avoid unrest and indicated a willingness to consult with the opposition Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized his commitment to the people’s concerns, stating, “As Prime Minister, I take the hearts of the people and the words of the president seriously.” He pledged to work towards a swift resolution to the current turmoil, aiming to maintain stability in the nation.
In a bid for redemption, Yoon publicly apologized and placed his future in the hands of his party. Before the parliamentary session, he addressed the nation for the first time since lifting the martial law he had imposed just hours prior, offering explanations and expressing regret.
Yoon acknowledged causing fear and inconvenience among the populace, stating, “I am very sorry, and I sincerely apologize to those who may have been surprised.” He also dismissed rumors of a second martial law declaration and looked to his party for guidance regarding his presidency.
The uncertainty surrounding Yoon’s presidency lingers as he has yet to secure a path to political survival. Officially, he remains in office, but the duration of his presidency is in question. The People Power Party is keen to prevent impeachment, fearing political repercussions in future elections, yet tensions between Yoon and party leader Han Dong-hoon remain strained.
Recent revelations indicated that Yoon had intended to arrest several politicians, including Han, during martial law. As a result, Han shifted from being a critic of martial law to becoming a vocal opponent of the president. On Friday, he called for Yoon’s prompt removal to protect the Korean people, stating on Saturday, “An early resignation is inevitable,” citing the president’s inability to effectively govern.
The opposition’s majority in parliament is expected to ramp up its efforts to obstruct Yoon further, bolstered by significant public support for impeachment. A recent poll revealed that 73.6 percent of respondents favored impeachment. However, even within the People Power Party, support for Yoon appears to be waning.
Observers predict a potential wave of protests similar to those seen in 2016 before the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, who was later imprisoned for corruption and abuse of power. Activists warn that as the national situation deteriorates, public unrest could escalate, fueled by a populace sensitive to democratic principles.
The political turmoil in South Korea began on Tuesday night, unexpectedly igniting when Yoon declared martial law during a televised speech. Soldiers were dispatched to seal off the parliament and scrutinize the election commission. Nevertheless, 190 parliamentarians from various parties successfully breached barricades and unanimously voted to revoke the martial law.
As demonstrators gathered in front of parliament, military forces appeared hesitant to support the president. Under orders from their commander, special forces did not load their weapons and chose not to disperse the parliament forcibly. Soon after, Yoon rescinded martial law amid widespread calls for his impeachment or resignation, marking a swift end to his coup attempt and the beginning of a significant political drama that continues to unfold in South Korea.