South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly avoided being removed from office after lawmakers failed to pass an impeachment vote.
The BBC reports that this happened because a censure bill fell short by just five votes, as many members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) refused to participate.
The controversy began when Yoon shocked the nation by briefly declaring martial law on Tuesday, a move that reminded many South Koreans of past authoritarian regimes.
Martial law, which hands control to the military and limits civil rights, hasn’t been used in South Korea since 1987, as noted by the BBC.
Yoon claimed it was necessary to fight “anti-state forces” but quickly canceled it following protests and backlash from lawmakers.
The impeachment vote needed support from at least eight members of the PPP, but nearly all of them walked out of the parliament.
According to the BBC, one PPP lawmaker, Cho Kyung-tae, decided against supporting impeachment after Yoon apologized for his actions. Cho said Yoon’s apology and his promise to let his party take over political decisions influenced his choice.
Opposition lawmakers, however, remained furious. A Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) member told the BBC she was heartbroken when PPP members boycotted the vote, despite thousands of citizens protesting outside.
She and other opposition members called Yoon’s martial law attempt “irrational” and vowed to keep fighting for impeachment.
The BBC highlighted that this crisis has caused widespread protests, with many South Koreans condemning Yoon’s actions while others supported him.
The situation added to existing frustrations over political stalemates and scandals involving Yoon’s administration, including controversies about the First Lady.
While Yoon avoided impeachment this time, opposition leaders have promised to keep trying, saying they aim to restore normalcy by the end of the year.
As reported by the BBC, this marks a tense and unusual chapter in South Korea’s democracy.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpw22k2z0rdo