South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared his resolve to “fight with the people until the very last minute” as he faces a parliamentary impeachment vote this Saturday. The vote follows his unprecedented decision to declare martial law and deploy military troops to parliament on December 3-4, a move that has plunged South Korea into political turmoil.
In a defiant televised address on Thursday, Yoon accused the opposition of creating a “national crisis” and described the National Assembly as a “monster destroying the constitutional order of liberal democracy.” While apologizing to citizens for the shock caused by his martial law declaration, Yoon defended his decision as necessary to counter North Korea’s threats and “anti-state elements.”
The impeachment vote requires support from eight members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) to achieve a two-thirds majority. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has called on party members to vote based on their “conviction and conscience,” asserting that Yoon can no longer effectively lead the nation.
As South Korea’s capital continues to witness daily protests, thousands are expected to gather on Saturday, demanding Yoon’s resignation. Meanwhile, police have intensified investigations, raiding military and presidential offices linked to last week’s events. Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of advising Yoon to impose martial law, remains in custody following a suicide attempt.
Despite mounting pressure, Yoon remains defiant, pledging not to shy away from legal or political accountability. The outcome of Saturday’s impeachment vote is likely to shape South Korea’s political future, as the nation grapples with one of its most significant crises in recent years.
