In a significant vote, South Korea’s president has been impeached by a majority of lawmakers on charges of insurrection. Following the failed attempt to impose martial law, 204 out of 300 lawmakers voted in favor of impeachment, while 85 opposed it. With the impeachment, the president has been suspended from office pending the Constitutional Court’s decision.
The interim leader, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has assumed office, and the Constitutional Court now has 180 days to rule on the president’s fate. Opposition lawmakers successfully secured the necessary 200 votes for impeachment, convincing some members from the president’s party to switch sides.
Supporters and opponents of the president held rival rallies in Seoul, with thousands gathering to express their views. Despite facing impeachment, the president remains defiant, alleging conspiracy with communist forces and vowing to fight on.
The main opposition party emphasized that impeachment was crucial to uphold democracy and the country’s future. Supporters of impeachment distributed essentials like hand warmers and food to rally attendees, showing solidarity in sub-zero temperatures.
If the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment, the president will be the second in South Korean history to be successfully impeached. However, there is a possibility of the court blocking the impeachment, as seen in a past case. Regardless of the outcome, the president may still face legal repercussions for the martial law attempt classified as insurrection.
The president’s approval ratings have drastically declined, with a majority now supporting his impeachment. The situation remains tense as the president maintains his stance amid growing dissent and investigations into his actions.