YOON SUK YEOL
The political uncertainty is increasing, but the situation is returning to normal.
Last night, South Korean President YOON SUK YEOL declared “martial law”, giving himself full power with the army at his side.
What about today?
Just a few hours after the president’s speech, 190 elected officials (including 18 from his political camp) went to parliament to cancel this promulgation by a vote. They managed to get into parliament somehow. The elected officials voted unanimously to cancel it.
Today, Korean politics is still in turmoil. The military has withdrawn from the sites, and many demonstrations are starting to take place.
A part of the Korean population was shocked by this presidential decision, this had not happened since the beginning of the 80s, and the political instability since 1987. Currently and following this action, the opposition political parties have just filed a motion to impeach the president, describing his action as “illegal”. This motion must be voted on within 72 hours and for it to be adopted must obtain a majority of 2/3 (i.e. 200 votes “for” out of 300). The opposition parties comprising 192 deputies, 8 deputies from the presidential camp must vote for it for it to be validated.
If this motion is voted with this majority, it will then have to go before the constitutional court which will have to rule on the legitimacy of the dismissal.
South Korea therefore finds itself in a political limbo, the opposition wanting the immediate dismissal of President YOON, the political party in power recognizes his mistake and says it is in favor of dissolving the government and dismissing the Minister of Defense but is divided on the dismissal of the president. The countries allied to South Korea remain attentive to the situation.
Various consulates and embassies, such as that of France, are sending messages to reassure their nationals on site, whether they live in Korea or are just passing through on vacation. In addition, reminders are being made about registering on lists of nationals in order to be well informed depending on the situation.
President YOON SUK YEOL was elected in 2022, by a very narrow margin. He had to face several problems and challenges from the opposition and also within his political party due to controversies surrounding his wife Kim Keon Hee.
The next few days will be decisive politically and for the rest of YOON SUK YEOL‘s term.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Yonhap, SBS, Ambassade de France
