Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol: A Historical Moment for South Korea
On December 14, South Korea’s National Assembly took a decisive step by approving a resolution to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol. The motion gained substantial support, with 204 votes in favor from a total of 300 lawmakers present. The resolution accused Yoon of “violations of the Constitution and the law”related to his declaration of a state of emergency under martial law. In response to this political upheaval, a special security team has been formed to assist Acting President Han Duck-soo.
A Historical Precedent
This impeachment marks President Yoon as the third South Korean leader to face suspension due to impeachment, following the paths of former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 and Park Geun-hye in 2016.
Yoon’s Response to Impeachment
Following the passing of the impeachment motion, President Yoon expressed his determination to continue his efforts for the country. He emphasized that while he may be momentarily paused, his commitments from the past 2.5 years must not cease. “I will not surrender,” he stated, vowing to remain dedicated to the nation until his final moments in office.
“I am pausing my journey. While I stop at this moment, the journey toward the future that I have undertaken for the past 2.5 years must never halt.”
Next Steps in the Impeachment Process
According to reports by Sky News, during Yoon’s suspension, the South Korean Constitutional Court has a 180-day window to determine whether to restore him to the presidency or confirm his removal. Should the court decide to remove him, a nationwide election to elect a new president would follow within 60 days.
Judicial Proceedings Ahead
Local media outlets have indicated that the Constitutional Court is set to meet on December 16 to outline the schedule for the impeachment trial and establish a date for public hearings. It remains uncertain whether President Yoon will attend personally to contest the charges against him.
Government Continuity During Transition
In light of the situation, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has committed to leading the government effectively as Acting President. Additionally, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho has called on the military to ensure operational readiness during this unprecedented period.
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