South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached over short-lived martial law

A defiant South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a second impeachment vote on Saturday (December 14, 2024) over his short-lived attempt to impose martial law, a move that shocked the country, split his party and imperilled his presidency half way through his term.

His move to impose military rule on December 3 was rescinded barely six hours later after parliament defied troops and police to vote against the decree, but it plunged the country into a constitutional crisis and triggered widespread calls for him to step down for breaking the law.

Opposition parties plan to hold an impeachment vote at 4 p.m. (12.30 p.m. IST) on Saturday, with large demonstrations planned ahead of the vote.