By - News Beat
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impeach President Yoon Seok-yul after allegations surfaced of a failed attempt to declare martial law. The historic decision has plunged the country into a political crisis, raising concerns about democratic stability in one of Asia's most advanced democracies.
Reports surfaced earlier this month that President Yun had sought to impose martial law under the pretext of maintaining public order amid growing protests. Critics charged that the move was an unconstitutional attempt to consolidate power in response to growing opposition to his administration's policies.
Presidential office insiders claimed that Yun's close aides had drawn up a plan to deploy troops to key cities, but resistance from senior military officials and lawmakers derailed the plan. The revelation sparked outrage among South Koreans, with opposition parties and civil society groups accusing Yoon of betraying democratic principles.
The impeachment motion moved by the opposition-controlled National Assembly was passed by a decisive majority on Friday. Lawmakers cited "gross violations of the Constitution" and abuse of power as the basis for the unprecedented verdict.
"This is a dark day for our democracy, but also a testament to its strength," said Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung. "No one is above the law, not even the president."
The impeachment proceedings will now go to the Constitutional Court, which will determine whether to formally remove Yun from office. If retained, he would become the second South Korean president to be ousted by impeachment after Park Geun-hye in 2017.
South Korea's reaction to the impeachment has been mixed. Thousands gathered in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square, with some celebrating the move as a victory for democracy, while others expressed concern for the country's political stability.
"It was necessary to protect our democratic values," said Kim Min-ji, a student at the university. "A president who tries to use the military against the people has no place in office."
However, Yun's supporters have described the impeachment as politically motivated. "He was trying to restore order rather than undermine democracy," argued Park Dong-hyun, a small business owner in Busan.
The political crisis comes at a difficult time for South Korea, which is struggling with an economic slowdown and rising regional tensions. Analysts have warned that prolonged instability could undermine investor confidence and strain South Korea's alliances with key partners, including the United States.
"The impeachment calls into question South Korea's ability to maintain stable leadership in the face of external threats, particularly threats from North Korea," said Dr. Choi Ji-woo, a political analyst at Yonsei University.
Prime Minister Han Deok-soo will serve as acting president until the Constitutional Court renders its decision, a process that could take up to six months. Meanwhile, opposition parties are demanding early elections to restore stability.
As South Korea navigates this unprecedented crisis, the world is watching closely, recognizing that the outcome will shape the future of one of Asia's most dynamic democracies.