
South Korea's Opposition Pushes for President Yoon's Resignation or Impeachment
South Korea's Democratic Party, the liberal opposition that commands a majority in the 300-seat parliament, has issued an ultimatum to President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial and short-lived declaration of martial law. The party demanded his immediate resignation, warning that they would initiate impeachment proceedings if he refuses to step down.
What Led to This Crisis?
On Tuesday night, President Yoon imposed martial law, citing an alleged plot by pro-North Korean factions to destabilize the country. The decree resulted in troops encircling the parliament and heightened national anxiety. However, the martial law was overturned within hours after lawmakers convened an emergency session and voted against it.
Opposition's Reaction
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The Democratic Party called Yoon’s martial law declaration a grave abuse of power that undermined South Korea’s democratic foundations.
- They accused him of using exaggerated security concerns to justify an unconstitutional military intervention.
- The party warned that impeachment proceedings would follow if Yoon did not resign voluntarily.
Presidential Office's Response
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President Yoon has not issued a direct response to the resignation demand.
- His office announced that senior presidential advisers and secretaries had offered to resign collectively, signaling internal acknowledgment of the crisis.
- Yoon postponed his official engagements on Wednesday morning, likely to focus on damage control.
Next Steps
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Impeachment Likely: If Yoon refuses to resign, the Democratic Party is expected to proceed with impeachment, which requires a majority in parliament. A two-thirds majority is needed in the Constitutional Court for removal from office.
- Public Sentiment: The unfolding crisis is likely to trigger public protests, with many citizens expressing distrust in Yoon’s leadership.
- International Focus: The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given South Korea's pivotal role in regional security and global diplomacy.
The unfolding drama represents a critical juncture for South Korea’s democracy, as the nation grapples with the fallout from this unprecedented political and constitutional crisis.
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