SEOUL, South Korea — In a bold statement on Thursday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol staunchly defended his contentious decree of martial law amid spiraling political turmoil and strident calls for his impeachment. He vehemently denied any charges of rebellion, asserting his resolve to combat what he perceives as threats to the nation by opposition parties and other entities.
Yoon’s defense came just hours ahead of the main opposition Democratic Party’s plan to present a new impeachment motion for a floor vote over the weekend. On the same day, the Parliament suspended the national police chief and the justice minister from their duties, citing their roles in the martial law enforcement.
The president’s declaration on Dec. 3, which lasted a mere six hours before being voted down by a unanimous Parliament, drew hundreds of troops to the surroundings of parliamentary and governmental buildings. The action led to widespread protests but did not result in any significant violence or injuries.
Yoon, aligning with conservative ideologies, described the martial law measure as a necessary warning to the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in Parliament. He accused the opposition of undermining government functions and displaying undue sympathy towards North Korea. Dismissing his opponents as “monsters” and “anti-state forces,” Yoon pledged to fight relentlessly against any attempts to destabilize South Korea’s Constitutional order.
Countering Yoon’s assertions, the Democratic Party labeled his remarks as dangerously delusional, interpreting them as an incitement to division and conflict within the nation. The opposition’s response emphasizes plans to push forward with impeachment proceedings, presenting a significant challenge to Yoon’s political survival.
The impeachment dynamics are complicated by party loyalties and the configuration of the National Assembly, where opposition parties command 192 of the 300 seats—just shy of the two-thirds majority required. Yoon’s previous remarks polarized members within his own People Power Party, some of whom now advocate for his impeachment.
Legal and constitutional experts argue that the martial law decree overstepped Presidential powers granted during peacetime, comparing the action to a form of rebellion as it aimed to halt the normal functioning of Parliament. This has led to an ongoing investigation into possible charges of rebellion and abuse of power, which could carry severe penalties.
Amid these tensions, Yoon’s maneuvers have also attracted judicial scrutiny, with a new bill passed that could appoint an independent counsel to investigate the President without requiring his consent.
This scenario reflects a profound national crisis, with potential implications for South Korea’s governance and democratic stability. The situation remains fluid, and the decisions made in the coming days could be pivotal in determining the country’s political trajectory.
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