South Korean President Survives Impeachment Over Martial Law Controversy

South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly avoided an opposition-led impeachment attempt on Saturday, as ruling party lawmakers largely boycotted the parliamentary vote, denying the two-thirds majority required to suspend his presidential powers. Kim Tong-Hyung and Hyung-Jin Kim reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Although Yoon escaped the initial impeachment attempt, experts suggest his presidency remains at risk. I Photo: Yoon Suk Yeol Facebook

The failed motion is likely to escalate public protests demanding Yoon's resignation and exacerbate South Korea's political turmoil. A recent survey indicates that a majority of South Koreans support the president's impeachment.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law had drawn sharp criticism, including from members of his conservative People Power Party (PPP), which nevertheless opposed impeachment, seemingly to prevent liberals from taking the presidency.

Following the vote, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party held a rally inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans for Yoon's impeachment or resignation.

The party's floor leader, Park Chan-dae, announced plans to prepare a new impeachment motion.

"We will surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to the Republic of Korea," said party leader Lee Jae-myung. "We’ll restore this country to normalcy before Christmas Day or year’s end."

Although Yoon escaped the initial impeachment attempt, experts suggest his presidency remains at risk.

Many believe Yoon may struggle to complete his remaining 2.5 years in office, with the possibility of some ruling party lawmakers eventually siding with opposition efforts if public demands for his removal continue to intensify.