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- South Korean law enforcement has requested an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
- The warrant is related to Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which was deemed a power grab.
- Yoon has repeatedly failed to appear for questioning, prompting the investigation team to seek his detention.
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Quick Brief
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Essential Context
On December 14, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the National Assembly for declaring martial law on December 3, 2024. This move was swiftly overturned and officially withdrawn, but it led to a severe political crisis.
Core Players
- Yoon Suk Yeol – Impeached President of South Korea
- Han Duck-soo – Former Prime Minister and current Acting President
- Lee Jae-myung – Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)
- Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials – Leading the joint investigation
Key Numbers
- 204 – Number of lawmakers who voted in favor of Yoon’s impeachment out of 300
- 85 – Number of lawmakers who voted against the impeachment
- December 3, 2024 – Date Yoon declared martial law
- December 14, 2024 – Date Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly
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The Catalyst
The impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol was triggered by his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which the National Assembly quickly overturned.
“This was a desperate decision made by me, the president, as the final authority responsible for state affairs,” Yoon said, apologizing for the move.
Inside Forces
The National Assembly’s swift response included two impeachment motions. The first, on December 7, failed due to a lack of quorum as members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. However, the second motion on December 14 succeeded with 204 lawmakers voting in favor.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo took over as Acting President following Yoon’s suspension.
Power Dynamics
The relationship between Yoon and the opposition has been tense. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), called Yoon’s apology “disappointing” and insisted on his resignation or impeachment.
The PPP, despite being Yoon’s party, saw significant internal backlash with five members of its Supreme Council resigning and its leader, Han Dong-hoon, stepping down.
Outside Impact
The request for an arrest warrant marks the first time in South Korea’s constitutional history that law enforcement has sought to detain a sitting president. This move is part of a broader investigation into whether Yoon’s actions amounted to rebellion.
Yoon’s legal team argues that an incumbent president cannot be prosecuted for abuse of power, but this does not apply to charges of rebellion or treason.
Future Forces
The Constitutional Court is set to decide on Yoon’s fate, requiring at least six justices to vote in favor to confirm the impeachment. The court proceedings began on December 16, with Justice Cheong Hyung-sik, a Yoon appointee, presiding.
The investigation and potential trial will have significant implications for South Korea’s political landscape and the stability of its government.
Data Points
- December 3, 2024: Yoon declares martial law
- December 7, 2024: First impeachment motion fails due to lack of quorum
- December 14, 2024: Yoon is impeached by the National Assembly
- December 16, 2024: Constitutional Court proceedings begin
- December 30, 2024: Law enforcement requests an arrest warrant for Yoon
The ongoing crisis in South Korea highlights the country’s delicate balance of power and the significant consequences of executive overreach. As the Constitutional Court deliberates Yoon’s fate, the nation remains in a state of political flux, awaiting a resolution that will shape its future.
