Opposition parties in South Korea have filed a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing constitutional violations following his abrupt declaration of martial law on Tuesday night.
The motion, spearheaded by the Democratic Party and five smaller opposition groups, was submitted to parliament on Wednesday.
The opposition accuses Yoon of abusing his authority and violating democratic principles by imposing martial law to “thwart anti-state forces.”
Yoon’s declaration led to heavily armed military personnel attempting to take control of the national assembly.
Lawmakers had to climb walls to gain entry into the building, where they unanimously voted to overturn the order.
The law, which suspended civilian legal processes for military powers, lasted six hours before being rescinded at 4:30 a.m. following parliamentary intervention.
Under South Korean law, martial law must be immediately lifted if a majority of parliament opposes it.
All 190 lawmakers present voted against Yoon’s declaration, forcing its reversal.
The Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament, described the martial law order as an illegal act and demanded Yoon’s resignation.
“President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was a clear violation of the constitution.
It didn’t abide by any requirements to declare it,” the party said in a statement.
Opposition leaders warned that if Yoon refuses to step down, they will push for his impeachment, which requires a two-thirds majority in parliament and approval from six constitutional court justices.
The controversy has led to resignations among Yoon’s senior advisers and calls for key cabinet members, including Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, to step down.
Meanwhile, thousands of protesters gathered outside the national assembly during the crisis, demanding accountability for the president’s actions.
The impeachment motion has intensified political tensions in South Korea, with the president’s administration under increasing pressure.
If the motion gains sufficient support, it could lead to Yoon’s removal from office and mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history.
As the crisis unfolds, the focus remains on whether South Korea’s democratic institutions can withstand the challenges posed by Yoon’s controversial actions.