South Korea Faces Political Turmoil Following Martial Law Declaration
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024, marking the first such declaration since 1980. This controversial move, aimed at consolidating power amid rising tensions with North Korea, has led to widespread protests and chaos in Seoul. Lawmakers and citizens alike reacted swiftly, with many scaling the National Assembly to repeal the law, resulting in clashes with police forces. After six hours of unrest, President Yoon lifted the martial law, but the political fallout was just beginning.
A recent poll indicated that a staggering 73.6% of South Koreans support the impeachment of President Yoon, prompting six opposition parties to file an impeachment motion. The motion is set to be voted on Saturday, with the opposition holding a significant majority in the National Assembly. If passed, Yoon would be suspended from office pending a Constitutional Court review, which could lead to a new presidential election within 60 days.
Defense Minister Resigns Amid Controversy
In the wake of the martial law declaration, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has resigned, taking full responsibility for advising the president on the decision. Kim expressed regret for the confusion caused by the martial law and acknowledged that military personnel acted under his orders. His resignation adds to the instability within the government, as the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has united against the impeachment motion, despite internal pressures.
The political landscape in South Korea is shifting rapidly, with experts predicting that the Democratic Party, the main opposition force, is likely to gain power. Professor Andrei Lankov from Kookmin University suggested that the current ruling party's popularity has waned significantly, and the opposition's rise is almost assured. He characterized the situation as a
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