South Korean President Faces Impeachment Over Martial Law Controversy

Sat Apr 26 2025 08:01:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
South Korean President Faces Impeachment Over Martial Law Controversy

Suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol accused of inciting military force during martial law vote leading to national unrest.


Allegations against Yoon include orders for military intervention to enforce his martial law decree, igniting widespread protests and an impending impeachment decision.


Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is embroiled in a significant political crisis following allegations of ordering military intervention to uphold his controversial martial law decree. Prosecutors assert that Yoon directed the military to use firearms, if necessary, to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament as they moved to reject his declaration.

The incident on December 3 saw Yoon allegedly instructing a general to "break down the doors and drag them out, even if it means firing the guns". This declaration has triggered intense scrutiny, protests, and ongoing political turmoil, culminating in a parliamentary vote to impeach him.

Yoon's martial law decree aimed to confront what he deemed "anti-state forces" among opposition lawmakers, particularly after losing a significant legislative election in April. Protests erupted, with opposition members and supporters converging on the National Assembly, facing military and police barricades.

As MPs eventually gained access to the assembly, prosecutors claim Yoon explicitly directed military leaders to enforce his orders, including potential forceful entry into the voting chamber. The declaration was rapidly rescinded following the parliamentary rejection, prompting Yoon's impeachment process to be instigated with only his cabinet remaining in support.

Yoon's actions have been labeled illegal and unconstitutional by opponents, including figures from his own conservative People's Power Party. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of facilitating Yoon’s orders, has been indicted alongside Yoon, raising questions about the leadership's legal responsibility.

The turmoil has greatly affected the political landscape in South Korea, resulting in the resignation of acting president Han Duck-soo. Under immense pressure from parliamentary opposition, Han's departure signals ongoing instability in the South Korean political system.

Public response to the unfolding events has been polarized, as thousands have gathered in rival protests, some calling for Yoon's arrest while others express support for the embattled leader. The political uncertainty has further strained the national economy, with the South Korean currency experiencing significant declines, echoing sentiments reminiscent of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis.

As Yoon awaits the constitutional court’s verdict regarding his impeachment status, South Korea stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the implications of his governance and the overarching quest for political stability.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:42:04 GMT

Corporate Leaders Sound Alarm on Tariffs and Economic Consequences

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:42:04 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:10:17 GMT

US Executives Express Concerns Over Tariffs and Economic Outlook

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:10:17 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:32:20 GMT

Bain from Just B Proudly Comes Out as LGBT at Concert in Los Angeles

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:32:20 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:48:17 GMT

Rising Anti-Hamas Sentiment in Gaza Amidst Deteriorating Conditions

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:48:17 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:56:56 GMT

Moon Jae-in Indicted: South Korea's Former President Faces Bribery Charges

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:56:56 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:13:22 GMT

Trump's Trade Challenge: Navigating Global Tariff Deals

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:13:22 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:44:23 GMT

**Tragedy Strikes Kashmir as Attack Claims 26 Lives, Sparking Outrage**

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:44:23 GMT
Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:42:16 GMT

China Issues Stern Warning Against Trade Deal 'Appeasement' with the U.S.

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:42:16 GMT
Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:05:13 GMT

South Korean Authorities Pursue Arson Suspect Following Fatal Apartment Blaze

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:05:13 GMT
Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:24:51 GMT

Nationwide Protests Erupt Against Trump Amidst Economic Concerns

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:24:51 GMT
Sat, 19 Apr 2025 06:59:45 GMT

Major Trial of Nearly 200 Protesters Commences in Istanbul Amidst Political Tensions

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 06:59:45 GMT
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:12:39 GMT

Turkey Trials Begin for Protestors Amid Controversy and Calls for Justice**

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:12:39 GMT
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:54:50 GMT

Violence Erupts Over KFC Boycott Protests in Pakistan Amid Gaza War Tensions

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:54:50 GMT
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:33:37 GMT

Tidjane Thiam Announces Candidacy for Ivory Coast Presidency

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:33:37 GMT
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:30:07 GMT

Trump's Tariff Talks with Italy’s Prime Minister Meloni: A Gateway to E.U. Trade Deal?

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:30:07 GMT
Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:37:20 GMT

Disruption Looms in Tenerife as Hotel Workers Strike Over Pay and Conditions

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:37:20 GMT
Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:07:05 GMT

South Korea Optimizes Shipbuilding Industry to Offset U.S. Tariffs

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:07:05 GMT
Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:23:57 GMT

**Deadly Jeju Air Crash Exposes Safety Oversights in South Korea's Aviation Industry**

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:23:57 GMT
Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:37:40 GMT

Hungary's Parliament Enacts Controversial Amendments Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights and Dual Nationals

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:37:40 GMT
Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:35:46 GMT

Immigration Detention Sparks Controversy Over Free Speech for Palestinian Activists

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:35:46 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.