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- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached on December 14, 2024, following his declaration of martial law.
- Protesters are demanding Yoon’s arrest and ouster as he resists detention efforts from authorities.
- The crisis has led to widespread protests and a deepening political divide in South Korea.
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Essential Context
On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, a move swiftly overturned by the National Assembly and officially withdrawn six hours later. This action led to his impeachment on December 14, 2024, with 204 out of 300 lawmakers voting in favor.
Core Players
- Yoon Suk Yeol – Impeached President of South Korea
- Han Duck-soo – Acting President of South Korea
- Lee Jae-myung – Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)
- People Power Party (PPP) – Ruling party supporting Yoon
- Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials – Investigating Yoon’s actions
Key Numbers
- 204 – Number of lawmakers who voted for impeachment out of 300
- 85 – Number of lawmakers who voted against impeachment
- 12 – Number of PPP members who voted for impeachment
- December 3, 2024 – Date of martial law declaration
- December 14, 2024 – Date of Yoon’s impeachment
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The Catalyst
The crisis began when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024, in an attempt to assert control over a legislature dominated by the opposition.
This move was quickly overturned by the National Assembly, but it set off a chain of events leading to Yoon’s impeachment.
Inside Forces
Internal dynamics within South Korea’s political system played a crucial role. The National Assembly’s swift action to overturn the martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment vote reflected deep-seated opposition to Yoon’s actions.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president, adding to the internal power shift.
Power Dynamics
The relationship between Yoon and the legislature has been strained, particularly with the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) vehemently opposing his policies. The DPK leader, Lee Jae-myung, has been a strong advocate for Yoon’s resignation or impeachment.
The People Power Party (PPP), while initially supportive of Yoon, saw some members vote in favor of his impeachment, indicating internal divisions.
Outside Impact
The protests and political turmoil have broader implications for South Korea’s stability and international relations. Thousands of protesters, both for and against Yoon, have taken to the streets despite harsh weather conditions.
The anti-corruption agency’s efforts to detain Yoon have been met with resistance from his presidential security service, highlighting the escalating standoff.
Future Forces
The Constitutional Court of Korea is scheduled to start Yoon’s impeachment trial on January 14, 2025. This trial will determine whether Yoon will be officially removed from office.
If the arrest warrant for Yoon expires without successful detention, it could further complicate the legal and political landscape.
Protesters continue to demand Yoon’s arrest, with some vowing to keep protesting until he is brought to justice.
Data Points
- December 3, 2024: Yoon declares martial law.
- December 14, 2024: Yoon is impeached by the National Assembly.
- January 5, 2025: Protests continue as the arrest warrant for Yoon nears its expiration.
- January 14, 2025: Scheduled start of Yoon’s impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court.
As the situation unfolds, South Korea faces a critical juncture in its political history. The ongoing protests, legal battles, and power struggles will shape the country’s future governance and stability.
