Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea’s Democratic Party of Korea, warned on Wednesday that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s policies and actions pose a serious risk of provoking North Korea into military conflict.
Lee also accused Yoon of laying the groundwork for another potential declaration of martial law.
Speaking at a rally in front of the National Assembly attended by hundreds of opposition lawmakers and supporters, Lee said, “They will try it [martial law] again, addressing their previous shortcomings after their initial failure. The risk of provoking North Korea and eventually leading to military conflict is significantly high.”
Reversal on martial law
The controversy follows Yoon’s abrupt declaration of martial law late Tuesday night during a live television address.
The move, which shocked the nation, was reversed just six hours later after parliament defied police and special forces blockades to vote against it.
Yoon’s declaration had intensified political tensions in Seoul, with opposition parties accusing him of undermining democracy and using authoritarian tactics to suppress dissent.
Six opposition parties announced plans to submit a bill calling for Yoon’s impeachment.
According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, the proposal is expected to be formally introduced later on Wednesday, with a parliamentary vote likely to take place on December 6 or 7.
The impeachment efforts have added to growing political uncertainty in South Korea, where divisions between Yoon’s administration and the opposition have deepened over issues ranging from economic policy to relations with North Korea.
The opposition leader’s remarks and the parliamentary push for impeachment highlight the escalating political crisis and fears of further instability under Yoon’s leadership.
