Redrafted Description: Korean legislators mount up for a re-run of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment vote this forthcoming Saturday. This is in the wake of an ongoing probe into allegations of insurrection surrounding Yoon’s contentious martial law mandate on December 3, which has stirred a notable political upheaval nationwide. The president escaped impeachment the previous Saturday owing to the partial withdrawal from voting among lawmakers from the majority party. However, it remains to be seen if they will stick to this refusal.
The political leader’s continually falling approval ratings have resulted in a surge of public protests against his controversial rule. Despite the harsh winter, tens of thousands of South Korean citizens have taken to protesting on Seoul’s streets over the last two weeks, heeding the call for Yoon’s removal and arrest. Audrey Hong Gayeong, a local activist, underscores the symbolism of the protesting.
Yoon’s brief episode of martial law, seen for the first time in South Korea in over four decades, has induced major political instability and negatively impacted both diplomatic efforts and financial market growth. Yoon faces accusations of insurrection, legally defined as the act of revolting against state administration with the aim of overthrowing the constitution. The potential charges stem from the belief that Yoon spearheaded disorder that posed a significant threat to South Korean peace.
Regardless of Yoon’s dismissal of the charges, categorizing his action as a governance decision, he is prohibited from leaving South Korea until further investigation into allegations of rebellion and misuse of power is completed. If found guilty, rebellion culprits can face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Should the subsequent impeachment vote succeed, the status and responsibilities of the presidency would hinge on the verdict by the Constitutional Court, either validating Yoon’s office dismissal or returning him to office. If he is dismissed, a nationwide election will be held within 60 days to select his successor. Although Yoon is granted immunity from civil prosecution due to his role as a president, this benefit does not protect him against insurrection or treason charges. The possibility of him being taken into custody remains ambiguous considering potential clash with his presidential security team. His defense minister, the head of the police force and Seoul’s metropolitan police agency’s leader have been arrested on account of their participation in the martial law imposition and high-ranking military and governmental officers continue to be under investigation.