In a historic and significant political development, South Korea's National Assembly has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following a controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month. The impeachment motion passed with a decisive 204 votes in favor, 85 against, and three abstentions. This marks the second impeachment attempt against President Yoon in just over a week, highlighting the escalating political turmoil in the nation.
The impeachment vote comes in the wake of President Yoon's brief imposition of martial law on December 3, which was the first such declaration in over four decades. The martial law lasted only six hours but has drawn widespread condemnation for its perceived threat to constitutional order. Allegations against Yoon include accusations of rebellion and endangering public peace by deploying military and police forces to suppress dissent and impede parliamentary action.
Following the vote, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume the role of acting president while the Constitutional Court deliberates on Yoon's political fate. The court has up to 180 days to decide whether to uphold the impeachment or restore Yoon's powers. If removed from office, a national election must be held within 60 days.