Janice R. Andrews
South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, announced on Sunday that his Democratic Party will push for another impeachment vote against President Yoon Suk-yeol. The motion is set for Saturday, December 14, as the party seeks to hold Yoon accountable for declaring martial law and deploying heavily armed troops in Seoul.
Lee reiterated demands for Yoon’s immediate resignation, condemning the ruling People Power Party’s (PPP) proposal for an orderly early exit as a stalling tactic.
The announcement follows Saturday’s failed impeachment attempt, where the ruling PPP’s boycott prevented the two-thirds majority needed to suspend Yoon’s powers. Only 195 lawmakers were present, five votes short of the 200 required.
Public Demands for Yoon’s Resignation
Yoon’s actions have ignited widespread protests across the nation. In Seoul, hundreds of thousands have gathered, drawing comparisons to South Korea’s authoritarian past under military regimes.
“In 1980, martial law in Gwangju led to mass killings. I never thought I’d see this again in my lifetime,” said a senior protester.
Protesters camping outside Parliament expressed outrage over the failed vote, vowing to intensify pressure until Yoon steps down.
Political Crisis Escalates
Yoon’s presidency is under increasing pressure as both opposition lawmakers and citizens challenge his governance. Critics have slammed the PPP’s boycott as an attempt to avoid accountability.
With the Democratic Party holding a parliamentary majority, the upcoming vote could be decisive for Yoon’s future. The protests highlight the urgency for resolving the political unrest threatening South Korea’s democracy.
This moment stands as a significant test of the nation’s ability to uphold democratic principles while addressing public discontent with its leadership.
