South Korea’s Opposition Demands Quick Ruling on Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol Amid Political Turmoil

On Sunday, South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, urged the Constitutional Court to promptly decide on a case seeking President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, following parliament’s vote to oust him over his brief attempt to impose martial law.

Until the court delivers its ruling, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended. The court has up to 180 days to issue a decision, which could either remove Yoon from office or restore his authority. If the court decides to impeach Yoon, a national election to select a new president would take place within 60 days.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the second-highest official in the country, assumed presidential powers. Han had been appointed by Yoon, whose government has faced difficulties in passing legislation due to opposition control of parliament.

Lee, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, stressed that a swift court ruling is essential to prevent further national instability. He also proposed the establishment of a national council that would encourage cooperation between the government and National Assembly to stabilize state affairs. Lee emphasized that bipartisan collaboration is necessary to address the political deadlock that has disrupted diplomacy and unsettled financial markets since Yoon’s martial law decree.

While some have called for the impeachment of Prime Minister Han, Lee said the Democratic Party would refrain from pursuing this, citing the need to avoid additional political uncertainty. “The Democratic Party will cooperate with all parties to stabilize state affairs and restore international trust,” Lee assured, expressing hope for a quick resolution to the crisis.

Yoon’s martial law declaration on December 3 was South Korea’s first in more than 40 years. Though it lasted only six hours, the decree sparked significant political unrest, interrupted diplomatic activities, and alarmed financial markets. Yoon was forced to rescind the order after parliament overwhelmingly voted to reject it, despite efforts by Yoon’s forces to prevent the vote. No major violence occurred during the standoff.

Opposition leaders have accused Yoon of attempting rebellion, arguing that martial law should only be declared in wartime or similar crises and that a president has no authority to suspend parliamentary proceedings even in these situations.

Yoon, a conservative, defended his actions, claiming his intent was to send a warning to the Democratic Party, which he has criticized as an “anti-state force” for using its parliamentary control to impeach officials and block critical government legislation, including the next year’s budget.