South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced an impeachment vote in parliament after his attempt to impose martial law was met with opposition. The motion was ultimately scrapped due to a lack of participation, but the main opposition party pledged to try again. Yoon’s party vowed to find a more responsible way to resolve the crisis.
Yoon’s decision to impose martial law and give the military emergency powers caused a political crisis in South Korea. The opposition needed support from Yoon’s conservative party to impeach him, but only three members voted in favor.
Despite calls for his resignation, Yoon apologized but resisted stepping down. Thousands of protestors gathered outside parliament demanding his impeachment.
Yoon’s decision to impose martial law drew international criticism and even led to the cancellation of a planned visit by the US Defense Secretary.
If Yoon were to resign, a presidential election would need to be held within 60 days. The last time martial law was declared in South Korea was in 1980.
Overall, the attempted imposition of martial law and subsequent impeachment vote have thrown South Korea into a political crisis, with uncertainty about the future leadership of the country.
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