SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT FACES IMPEACHMENT VOTE AS DEFENCE MINISTER OFFERS

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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing an impeachment vote after declaring martial law, only to reverse the move hours later ¹. The dramatic turn of events has sparked widespread protests and calls for Yoon's resignation. The opposition parties have submitted a bill to impeach Yoon, with voting set to take place on Friday or Saturday.

The crisis began when Yoon declared martial law, citing the need to defend the country from pro-North Korean anti-state forces ¹. However, the move was met with fierce resistance from lawmakers and citizens, who saw it as an attempt to suppress opposition and curtail democratic freedoms.

The declaration of martial law was short-lived, lasting only about six hours before it was lifted ¹. However, the damage had already been done, with opposition parties quickly submitting an impeachment motion.

The defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, has offered to resign over the crisis ¹. The move is seen as an attempt to appease the opposition and calm the situation.

The impeachment process in South Korea requires a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly ¹. If Yoon is impeached, he will face a trial in the Constitutional Court, which can confirm the motion with a vote by six of the nine justices.

The international community has expressed concern over the crisis, with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcoming Yoon's decision to rescind the martial law declaration ¹. The US has about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War.

The crisis has sparked widespread protests, with citizens calling for Yoon's resignation ¹. The situation remains volatile, with more protests expected in the coming days.

In the event of Yoon's impeachment, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over as acting president until a new election can be held within 60 days ¹. The situation is being closely watched by the international community, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The opposition parties have accused Yoon of abusing his power and undermining democracy ¹. They argue that his declaration of martial law was unconstitutional and that he has lost the trust of the people.

The situation in South Korea is complex and fluid, with many uncertainties about what will happen next ¹. However, one thing is clear: the crisis has sparked a major upheaval in South Korean politics, and the consequences will be far-reaching.

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