South Korean leader facing mounting calls to resign or be impeached over martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced immense pressure from legislators and the public on Wednesday to resign or face impeachment after his abrupt decision to impose martial law was overturned by parliament. Yoon’s senior advisers and secretaries offered to collectively resign, while his Cabinet members, including Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, were also urged to step down. The entire South Korean State Council expressed their intention to resign in solidarity.

Yoon’s martial law declaration came after he struggled to push his agenda through the opposition-dominated parliament. However, the martial law was in effect for only six hours before being lifted during a cabinet meeting at 4:30 a.m. Lawmakers swiftly submitted a motion to impeach the president for his unconstitutional actions.

The liberal opposition Democratic Party, holding a majority in parliament, threatened impeachment if Yoon did not resign immediately. They deemed his martial law declaration a violation of the constitution and grounds for impeachment. To impeach the president, a two-thirds majority vote in the 300-member parliament is required. While the Democratic Party and other opposition parties hold 192 seats, 18 members from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party voted against the president’s decision, leading to the rejection of martial law.

If impeached, Yoon would lose his presidential powers until the Constitutional Court rules on his fate. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume presidential responsibilities in the interim. Amid calls for Yoon’s Cabinet to resign, Han urged patience and emphasized the importance of fulfilling duties despite the turmoil.

Yoon’s martial law declaration marked the first instance in over 40 years, with scenes of military intervention unseen since South Korea’s transition to democracy in the late 1980s. The country now faces a period of uncertainty as it navigates the aftermath of this unprecedented political crisis.

The original article was sourced from The Associated Press.