South Korean media outlets are reporting that the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol is expected to fail. Lawmakers are set to vote on the motion following Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law, but most ruling party members have left the chamber ahead of the vote. The ruling party has reaffirmed its opposition to the impeachment motion, although it remains unclear whether lawmakers will follow party policy as the vote will be anonymous.
Opposition parties want Yoon stripped of the presidency, and the measure would need at least two-thirds approval from the National Assembly, including ruling party members. Yoon apologized for imposing martial law and expressed regret for causing anxiety, pledging there would be no second imposition. The leader of the Democratic Party called Yoon’s speech disappointing and urged his immediate resignation or impeachment.
People in Seoul are critical of Yoon’s speech, with many doubting his intentions and demanding a proper apology through resignation. Victor Cha, a former senior White House official, stated that Yoon is trying to compensate for his mistake in imposing martial law. He highlighted the growing political chaos in the country and the strengthening relations between North Korea, China, and Russia. The US government, while surprised by the declaration of martial law, is closely monitoring the situation and focusing on a peaceful resolution. Washington is not taking sides in the political conflicts in South Korea and will maintain its stance regardless of the outcome of the weekend and next week.
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