South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Survives Impeachment Vote Amid Mass Protests
Impeachment Vote Blocked by Yoon’s Party
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared set to survive an impeachment vote on Saturday, as his party’s lawmakers boycotted the vote, despite mass protests outside parliament calling for his ouster.
Background
Yoon stunned the nation and the international community on Tuesday night by suspending civilian rule, but was forced into a U-turn after lawmakers nixed his decree.
Impeachment Motion
Opposition parties, which hold 192 seats in the 300-seat parliament, filed the impeachment motion, which needed 200 votes to pass.
Party’s Stance
But all but one member of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) on Saturday filed out of the chamber before the vote, live TV footage showed, meaning that the motion lacked the necessary quorum.
Apology
Before the vote, Yoon, 63, spoke for the first time in three days and apologised for the turmoil, but stopped short of stepping down, saying he would leave it to his party to decide his fate.
Consequences
If the motion had passed, Yoon would have been suspended from duties pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court.
Public Reaction
An opinion poll released Friday put backing for the 63-year-old president at a record low of 13 percent. "The public will not forgive him," said 63-year-old retiree Lee Wan-pyo. "I just want him to step down," said Han Jeong-hwa, a 70-year-old housewife.
Investigation
Regardless of the vote, police have begun investigating Yoon and others for alleged insurrection.
Martial Law Declaration
In his address declaring martial law late Tuesday, Yoon claimed it would "eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness."
Security Forces
Security forces sealed the National Assembly, helicopters landed on the roof, and almost 300 soldiers tried to lock down the building. But as parliamentary staffers blocked the soldiers with sofas and fire extinguishers, enough MPs got inside — many climbed walls to enter — and voted down Yoon’s move.
International Reaction
The episode brought back painful memories of South Korea’s autocratic past and blindsided its allies, with the US administration only finding out via television. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul on Friday that he "expects the… democratic process to prevail."
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an impeachment vote, despite mass protests and widespread discontent. The outcome is likely to enrage the tens of thousands of people demonstrating outside parliament calling for Yoon’s ouster. The fate of the president remains uncertain, and it is unclear what the future holds for South Korea’s political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in South Korea?
A: President Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an impeachment vote, but the country remains in turmoil, with mass protests and widespread discontent.
Q: What was the reason for the impeachment vote?
A: The impeachment vote was called after President Yoon declared martial law, suspending civilian rule, which was met with widespread opposition.
Q: What is the current standing of the president’s popularity?
A: An opinion poll released Friday put backing for the 63-year-old president at a record low of 13 percent.
Q: What is the next step for the president?
A: The fate of the president remains uncertain, and it is unclear what the future holds for South Korea’s political landscape.