A surprise move by South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law has plunged the country into political and social turmoil, putting him in a precarious position with a fast-tracked impeachment motion.
Late Tuesday, President Yoon instituted martial law in a desperate attempt to break through government gridlock that spectacularly backfired. The decision sparked nationwide protests, candlelight vigils, and condemnation as they reopened painful memories of South Korea's authoritarian past.
As growing pressure and public condemnation persisted into Wednesday morning, Yoon rescinded his martial law declaration. It was too late. His defense minister and key aides, even including the chief of staff, tendered their resignation; opposition leaders quickly seized the opportunity to impeach him.
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-min presented the impeachment motion, which was seconded by six opposition parties. Because the People Power Party is the ruling party but occupies only 108 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly, bipartisan support would be necessary to win the two-thirds majority needed to impeach Yoon.
Yoon would face suspension, and his political destiny would be determined by the Constitutional Court in an impeachment trial.
As protest swells in Seoul, it is uncertain whether the presidency will survive, in one of the most turbulent moments in South Korea's modern democracy.
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