Prospects for South Korea’s President impeachment are dim with ruling party boycotting vote

Political chaos in South Korea as opposition seeks to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over martial law imposition.

Most ruling party lawmakers were boycotting a parliamentary vote Saturday (December 7, 2024) to deny a two-thirds majority sought by the opposition to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, as protests grew nationwide calling for his removal.

The likely defeat of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Mr. Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the President’s impeachment. Mr. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative party, but it is also determined to oppose Mr. Yoon's impeachment apparently because it fears losing presidency to liberals.

Also read | Timeline of South Korea’s martial law declaration; quick overturn by President Yoon Suk Yeol

Impeaching Mr. Yoon would require support from two-thirds of the National Assembly, or 200 of its 300 members. The opposition parties who brought the impeachment motion have 192 seats, meaning they need at least eight additional votes from Mr. Yoon’s People Power Party.

The opposition-controlled Parliament began a vote earlier Saturday, but only three lawmakers from PPP took part with opposition members. If the number of lawmakers who cast ballots doesn't reach 200, the motion will be scrapped at midnight, according to National Assembly. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik urged ruling party members to return to the chamber to participate in the vote, stressing that it was closely watched by the nation and also the world.

“Don’t make a shameful judgment and please vote based on your convictions,” Woo said. “I plead to you, for the future of the Republic of Korea.”