SEOUL—South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed on Saturday to fight for his political survival after being impeached by the opposition-controlled parliament for his controversial bid to impose martial law, a move that shocked the nation.
The Constitutional Court will determine within six months whether Yoon will be permanently removed from office. If the court upholds the impeachment, a snap presidential election will be held.
For now, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, appointed by Yoon, has assumed the role of acting president. “I will do everything in my power to stabilize the government during this challenging time,” Han told reporters.
Yoon is the second conservative president in South Korea’s history to face impeachment. His predecessor, Park Geun-hye, was ousted in 2017 following her removal by the Constitutional Court.
This marks the second impeachment vote against Yoon in recent weeks. The first attempt failed when his party boycotted the vote, denying parliament a quorum. However, the second vote succeeded, suspending Yoon’s presidential powers midway through his five-year term.
In a statement, Yoon struck a defiant tone. “Though I am pausing for now, the journey I have shared with the people over the past two and a half years must not come to a halt. I will never give up,” he said.
Yoon, known for his resilience but increasingly isolated politically, has faced a series of challenges, including personal scandals, a fractious opposition, and divisions within his own party.
The impeachment vote has divided the country, with thousands gathering in rival protests. Supporters of Yoon’s impeachment celebrated outside parliament, waving LED sticks and cheering to music, despite subfreezing temperatures. Meanwhile, a rally of Yoon’s backers dispersed shortly after the announcement.
Opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung joined the jubilant crowds near parliament, calling for continued pressure to ensure Yoon’s removal. “You, the people, have made history. Together, we must ensure that this new chapter is completed,” Lee told the crowd.
As South Korea braces for the Constitutional Court’s decision, the nation faces political uncertainty and deepening polarization, testing the resilience of its democratic institutions.
