SEOUL, Dec 14 (V7N) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a critical impeachment vote on Saturday over his brief attempt to impose martial law, an unprecedented move that has plunged the nation into political turmoil. This constitutional crisis, sparked on December 3 when Yoon declared martial law only to rescind it six hours later, has deeply divided his ruling People Power Party (PPP) and drawn widespread calls for his resignation.

The opposition, controlling 192 seats in the 300-seat parliament, needs at least eight votes from PPP lawmakers to meet the two-thirds majority required for impeachment. A number of PPP members, including prominent lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo, have expressed support for the impeachment motion. Meanwhile, the PPP leadership remains officially opposed but has scheduled a meeting on Saturday morning to reconsider its stance.

Should Yoon be impeached, his powers will be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would serve as acting president until the Constitutional Court rules on the case. If the court upholds the impeachment or Yoon resigns, a presidential election would be required within 60 days.

Yoon is under criminal investigation for alleged insurrection related to the martial law declaration and has been barred from international travel. Despite these challenges, Yoon has rejected calls to step down and defended his actions, citing the need to overcome political gridlock and protect democracy. However, his rhetoric has polarized opinions within his party and among the public. A Gallup Korea poll showed that while 66% of PPP supporters oppose impeachment, 75% of the broader public supports it.

The crisis has shaken South Korea’s political stability and damaged its reputation as a democratic success story. Financial markets, however, have shown resilience, with South Korean shares rising on optimism that the impeachment vote could bring political clarity.

The outcome of Saturday’s vote will determine the immediate future of Yoon’s presidency and set the tone for South Korea’s domestic and international standing amid this rare constitutional crisis.

END/WD/RH