South Korean President Faces Potential Impeachment After Martial Law Reversal

Yoon Suk Yeol’s six-hour martial law declaration triggers political backlash, calls for resignation, and deepens national unrest.

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday citing threats to South Korea’s democracy and national security, but reversed the decision within hours following unanimous parliamentary opposition.
The National Assembly, dominated by the opposition Democratic Party, swiftly voted to nullify the martial law order and is now pursuing impeachment proceedings against Yoon and key officials involved in the declaration.
Yoon’s controversial move has been widely criticized as unconstitutional and potentially aimed at diverting attention from his low approval ratings, corruption allegations, and ongoing political struggles.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Seoul demanding Yoon’s resignation, while South Korea’s largest labor union called for an indefinite general strike until the president steps down.
International reactions include relief from the United States, which emphasized the importance of democratic processes, and concern from regional powers monitoring the political instability in this key US ally.