South Korea’s Ruling Party Blocks Presidential Impeachment

 The ruling party in South Korea successfully prevents the impeachment of the president, intensifying political tensions and sparking debates about governance and accountability.

South Korea’s ruling party refused to participate in a vote concerning the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his recent imposition of martial law. Their boycott resulted in the motion being dismissed due to insufficient attendance for a quorum.

According to a report by Yonhap, the South Korean news agency, only three members of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) participated in the voting at the National Assembly on Saturday.

Earlier in the session, all members of PPP participated fully in a re-vote on a bill calling for a special counsel investigation into corruption allegations against First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The bill was ultimately rejected.

Nevertheless, when the moment arrived to vote on the president’s impeachment, nearly all of them rose and exited the main hall.

Woo Won-shik, the National Assembly Speaker from the main opposition Democratic Party, urged lawmakers from the PPP to return.

“You must vote, as it is the duty of a patriot and a National Assembly member representing the people of the Republic of Korea,” Woo urged. However, his appeals went unanswered.

After the People’s Power Party (PPP), which occupies 108 seats in the legislature, exited the chamber, only 195 Members of Parliament remained for the vote. To impeach Yoon, at least 200 out of the total 300 deputies in parliament needed to support the motion.

The South Korean lawmakers can next cast their votes on Yoon’s impeachment on Wednesday, December 11.

Earlier on Saturday, the president gave his first public speech since the crisis began, expressing that he was “deeply sorry” for implementing martial law and pledging not to repeat it.

Yoon emphasized that he “will not shy away from legal and political responsibility” for his actions. He stated, “I will rely on my party to determine strategies for stabilizing the political situation throughout the rest of my term.”

On Tuesday, Yoon unexpectedly appeared on television to announce the implementation of emergency martial law. He claimed this was necessary due to alleged preparations for a “rebellion” by the opposition, which he accused of harboring sympathies towards North Korea.

In just a few hours, 190 lawmakers who succeeded in entering the National Assembly despite military blockades voted unanimously to revoke the decree. Meanwhile, thousands of citizens flooded the streets to denounce their president’s actions.

Fewer than six hours after declaring martial law, Yoon announced that he had chosen to withdraw his decision.