South Korea’s Political Chaos: President Yoon Faces Impeachment After Martial Law Drama

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In a whirlwind 24 hours that rocked South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise martial law declaration and its rapid reversal have left the nation in political turmoil. Lawmakers are now pushing for Yoon’s impeachment after the unprecedented move sparked chaos, protests, and a standoff between the government and armed troops.

Late Tuesday, President Yoon attempted to impose martial law, citing vague threats to national security. The decision aimed to curb political activity and restrict media freedom but was met with swift backlash. Parliament unanimously rejected the declaration, protesters clashed with police, and troops were forced to retreat after a dramatic showdown involving fire extinguishers sprayed by parliamentary aides.

The martial law order, which marked the first such declaration since 1980, was lifted just six hours later, but the damage was done. Opposition parties moved quickly, submitting a bill to impeach Yoon, with a vote set for the coming days. Civic groups and labor unions also rallied in downtown Seoul, demanding the president’s resignation.

“This was an illegal overreach that threatened our democracy,” said Kim Yong-min, a member of the opposition Democratic Party.

Markets and Diplomacy Rattle

The debacle sent shockwaves through global financial markets, with South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index plummeting and emergency talks held to stabilize the won. Major corporations advised employees to work remotely, and sales of essentials like canned goods and bottled water surged overnight.

International reactions were equally critical. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed dismay over the lack of notice from South Korea, emphasizing the importance of resolving political disputes within the rule of law. Planned joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. were postponed amid the fallout.

What’s Next for Yoon?

As impeachment proceedings loom, President Yoon faces growing discontent over his leadership style, which critics describe as heavy-handed and divisive. His approval ratings have languished near 20%, and his ruling party holds just 108 of the 300 seats in parliament.

Should Yoon be removed, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would step in as interim leader until a new election is held. The crisis underscores the fragile balance of power in South Korea, a nation pivotal to regional stability and U.S. strategic interests in Asia.

For now, Seoul has returned to an uneasy normalcy, but the echoes of Tuesday night’s chaos linger, raising questions about the future of South Korea’s democracy.