A motion has been launched to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol after his declaration of martial law plunged the country into chaos.
The political leader announced the extraordinary measure on Tuesday evening in an attempt to thwart ‘anti-state forces’ among his opponents.
But just hours later he was forced to withdraw after a dramatic standoff with his shocked parliament, which rejected his bid to ban political activity and censor the media.
“We have submitted an urgently prepared impeachment motion,” representatives of six opposition parties, including the main Democratic Party, said at a live news conference.
They added that they would discuss when to vote on it, but that could happen as soon as Friday.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said the cabinet had agreed to lift martial law in the early hours of Wednesday.
Protesters outside parliament shouted and clapped, “We won!” chanted, and one protester beat a drum.
But Cho Kuk, head of a small opposition party, met protesters outside parliament and said: “This is not over yet. He shocked all the people.” He promised to oust Yoon by bringing together votes from other parties.
This is a groundbreaking story, more to come.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Wednesday he would revoke the declaration of martial law he imposed just hours earlier
A man confronts police officers outside the National Assembly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law in Seoul
Soldiers attempt to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul on December 4, 2024, after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law
A helicopter flies around the National Assembly Hall after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law in Seoul, South Korea, December 3, 2024