South Korea in Chaos: President Yoon Faces Impeachment After Shocking Martial Law Scandal
South Korea in Turmoil as Ruling Party Leader Backs Suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — South Korea’s political landscape was shaken on Friday as Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), announced support for suspending the duties of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The dramatic move, described by analysts as a political earthquake, has significantly heightened the likelihood of Yoon’s impeachment over his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week.
At a party meeting, Han cited “newly revealed facts” as justification for his decision, claiming Yoon attempted to use intelligence agencies to arrest lawmakers he accused of being “anti-state forces.”
“President Yoon has not acknowledged that the illegal martial law was a mistake. If he continues to carry out his duties, there is a significant risk of recurrence, which could pose a great threat to the Republic of Korea and its people,” Han said, referencing South Korea’s formal name.
Yoon’s Martial Law Decree Sparks Outrage
President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday was seen as a desperate move to combat what he described as “anti-state forces” obstructing his governance. The decree, however, was swiftly overturned by lawmakers within hours, despite military and police personnel attempting to block them from entering the National Assembly Building.
The opposition-controlled National Assembly had planned to vote on Yoon’s impeachment late Saturday. But with growing momentum, including calls from within Yoon’s party, the vote could now be held as early as Friday.
Adding to the tension, South Korean media reported unverified rumors of a second martial law attempt. Although the military quickly denied the claims, the reports underscored the fraught atmosphere in the capital.
A Key Defection in Yoon’s Inner Circle
Han Dong-hoon’s role in the unfolding crisis has been pivotal. Once a trusted ally and former justice minister under Yoon, Han’s public opposition to the martial law decree marked the beginning of cracks within the ruling party.
Initially, Han and 18 other conservative lawmakers voted to overturn Yoon’s decree. By Thursday, Han appeared to pivot, opposing impeachment on the grounds it would paralyze the country. However, his stunning reversal on Friday has reshaped the political landscape.
Han revealed he had obtained “credible evidence” that Yoon had ordered the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to arrest senior lawmakers, including Han himself.
“I firmly believe that now is the time to think solely about the nation and its citizens,” Han said. His call for Yoon’s suspension, combined with the mounting allegations, has energized the impeachment push.
The Military’s Role and Legal Ramifications
The fallout from Yoon’s martial law declaration has also engulfed South Korea’s military leadership. On Friday, Kwak Jong-geun, head of the special warfare command, publicly stated he would refuse to enforce a second martial law order. During the initial decree, Kwak defied orders to remove lawmakers from the National Assembly, deeming such actions illegal.
Meanwhile, South Korean police announced an investigation into allegations of treason against Yoon and senior officials involved in Tuesday’s events.
If the impeachment motion passes, Yoon would be immediately suspended from his duties. The Constitutional Court would then deliberate on whether to formally remove him from office—a process that could take weeks or months.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The political drama has polarized South Korean society. Critics of Yoon argue that his martial law decree represents an alarming abuse of power and a betrayal of democratic principles. Supporters, however, see the move as a necessary step to restore order in the face of legislative obstruction.
Han’s reversal has intensified these divisions. Analysts note that his shift may be driven by personal survival as much as principle, given reports that Yoon sought his arrest. Regardless of the motivation, Han’s announcement has swayed public and political opinion, making impeachment more probable.
Uncertainty Looms
The outcome of the impeachment vote remains uncertain, as it requires at least eight members of the PPP to cross party lines. While only two have publicly declared their support, Han’s influence and recent revelations could tilt the balance.
If Yoon is impeached, South Korea faces weeks, if not months, of political uncertainty. His suspension would leave the country under interim leadership while the Constitutional Court reviews the case.
What’s at Stake?
The crisis underscores the fragility of South Korea’s democracy, where executive overreach and political factionalism have collided. Yoon’s rise to power was built on promises of restoring conservative governance, but his presidency is now at risk of ending in ignominy.
For South Koreans, the stakes are high: political stability, democratic norms, and trust in leadership hang in the balance. As the National Assembly prepares to vote, the nation watches closely, aware that the outcome could define its political trajectory for years to come.