Constitutional Crisis
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment proceedings after his brief declaration of martial law in early December 2024 shocked the nation and drew condemnation from across the political spectrum.
The crisis represents the country's most serious political turmoil since the 2017 impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.
Martial Law Attempt
What happened:
Timeline (December 3-4)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:23 PM | Martial law declared |
| Midnight | Troops at National Assembly |
| 1:00 AM | MPs vote to lift |
| 4:00 AM | Martial law rescinded |
Duration
Approximately 6 hours before being overturned.
Yoon's Justification
The President's stated reasons:
Claims Made
| Allegation | Target |
|---|---|
| "Anti-state forces" | Opposition parties |
| "North Korea sympathizers" | Unnamed groups |
| Budget obstruction | Parliamentary opposition |
| Democratic subversion | Political opponents |
Public Response
Widespread rejection of justification across political spectrum.
Parliamentary Action
National Assembly response:
Vote Details
| Result | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Against martial law | 190 |
| Required | 151 (majority) |
| Turnout | Near complete |
| Bipartisan | Yes |
Impeachment Motion
Proceedings initiated:
Process
| Step | Status |
|---|---|
| Motion filed | December 2024 |
| Vote 1 | Failed (boycott) |
| Vote 2 | Passed |
| Constitutional Court | Review pending |
Vote Breakdown
Second impeachment vote passed with ruling party members joining opposition.
Constitutional Court
Final decision pending:
Court Process
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Justices | 9 total |
| Majority needed | 6 |
| Timeline | Up to 180 days |
| Current status | Under review |
Public Reaction
South Korean society responds:
Demonstrations
| Type | Size |
|---|---|
| Anti-Yoon | Massive protests |
| Pro-Yoon | Smaller gatherings |
| Civil society | Overwhelming condemnation |
Political Implications
For South Korean democracy:
Consequences
- Presidency suspended
- PM as acting president
- Early election possible
- Party system in flux
- International image affected
Ruling Party Split
PPP (People Power Party) divisions:
Internal Dynamics
| Faction | Position |
|---|---|
| Pro-Yoon | Defend, delay tactics |
| Anti-Yoon | Support impeachment |
| Moderates | Rule of law emphasis |
Opposition Position
Democratic Party stance:
Demands
- Full impeachment completion
- Criminal prosecution
- Democratic accountability
- Constitutional protection
- New elections
International Reaction
Global response:
Foreign Positions
| Actor | Response |
|---|---|
| United States | Watching carefully |
| Japan | Concern expressed |
| China | Internal matter |
| North Korea | Propaganda use |
Historical Context
Korea's democratic journey:
Past Crises
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1960 | April Revolution |
| 1980 | Gwangju Uprising |
| 1987 | Democratic transition |
| 2017 | Park impeachment |
| 2024 | Yoon crisis |
Looking Ahead
Korea's political future:
Scenarios
- Impeachment upheld → New election
- Impeachment rejected → Hobbled presidency
- Resignation → Orderly transition
- Criminal charges → Extended crisis
South Korea's democratic institutions face their most serious test in years as the nation navigates this unprecedented crisis.
