Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly avoided impeachment after a parliamentary vote failed to meet the required quorum. However, the outcome has left lingering uncertainty over the country’s political future.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the vote took place on Saturday, Decembe 7, during a full session of the National Assembly, just days after Yoon declared martial law in response to what he described as “anti-state” activities by opposition parties. The controversial martial law decision was rescinded just six hours later when parliament voted against it.
The impeachment motion fell short of the 200-vote quorum needed, missing the threshold by just five votes. All 192 opposition lawmakers and three members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) voted in favor of impeachment.
Impeachment Voting
The session, held at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, began at 5:00 p.m. local time and saw the participation of all 300 lawmakers. The two main agenda items were a special judicial investigation into First Lady Kim Keon-hee and the impeachment vote for President Yoon Suk-yeol.
While the opposition, led by the Democratic Party had attended in full force, the ruling PPP largely boycotted the session. Only three PPP lawmakers broke ranks to cast votes, while the rest walked out in a coordinated protest.
Therefore, only 195 lawmakers present, with five votes short of the two-thirds quorum required. This result in the motion failed, sparing Yoon from impeachment.
South Korea Parliament Proceeds with Impeachment Vote Against President Yoon Suk-yeol
Political Fallout Looms
Although President Yoon survived the parliamentary challenge, his political future remains uncertain. According to reports by CNN Indonesia, opposition leaders vowed to push for Yoon’s resignation and called for his suspension, arguing it is necessary to “protect the country from significant danger.”
The impeachment attempt followed Yoon’s brief and controversial imposition of martial law, which drew sharp criticism and fueled calls for his removal. Even though the impeachment of President Yoon was failed, it raises new uncertainties in the dynamics of South Korean politics under President Yoon’s leadership.
(Raidi/Agung)
