Seoul, South Korea, Dec 15, (V7N) - South Korea’s political drama reached its peak on Saturday as President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached, suspending his powers and plunging the nation into unprecedented turmoil. The impeachment follows Yoon’s shocking martial law declaration, which lasted just six hours but left a lasting mark. Here's how the crisis unfolded:

NoDecember 3

10:30 PM: Yoon shocks the nation with a televised address, announcing martial law to counter "anti-state forces."

Moments later: Troops storm parliament, smashing windows and clashing with staffers who resist using barricades and fire extinguishers. Lawmakers flee or scale fences to escape, while protesters flood the streets.

December 4

Early hours: In a historic defiance, 190 lawmakers reject the martial law decree. Hours later, Yoon reverses course and lifts martial law, but the damage is done. Opposition lawmakers file an impeachment motion.

December 5

Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) appears to shield him, opposing impeachment. Meanwhile, prosecutors open a treason investigation targeting Yoon and top cabinet officials.

December 6-7

PPP fractures as party leader Han Dong-hoon calls for Yoon’s removal. Yoon apologizes publicly but refuses to resign. A failed impeachment vote follows due to a PPP boycott.

December 8-9

Prosecutors intensify their probe, naming Yoon as a primary suspect. A travel ban is imposed on the embattled president.

December 10-12

A damning parliamentary testimony reveals Yoon ordered lawmakers to be forcibly removed during martial law. Tensions deepen as Yoon accuses North Korea of election interference in a fiery speech, claims swiftly denied by the Election Commission.

December 13

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung rallies PPP lawmakers to support impeachment, gaining momentum.

December 14

Historic vote: Parliament impeaches Yoon, with 204 lawmakers in favor, including 12 from the PPP. Acting President Han Duck-soo takes charge, as the Constitutional Court begins its six-month review of Yoon’s fate.

With Yoon’s presidency hanging in the balance, the world watches as South Korea navigates one of its most turbulent chapters.

END/WD/RH