South Korean lawmakers move to impeach president amid martial law controversy

South Korea as lawmakers moved to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his unexpected declaration of martial law, which he retracted within hours, Reuters reported.

Yoon's martial law announcement aimed to safeguard the nation from alleged threats posed by "pro-North Korean anti-state forces" and to preserve the constitutional order.

However, he did not provide specific evidence to justify such a drastic measure. The declaration triggered immediate backlash from the National Assembly, which rejected Yoon's efforts to restrict political activities and censor media.

As the situation escalated, armed military personnel attempted to take control of the National Assembly in Seoul, leading to chaotic scenes. Lawmakers and aides fiercely resisted, with some using fire extinguishers to fend off the troops.

Outside, protesters clashed with police, demanding an end to the military's encroachment on democracy.

In a united front, the main opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP), called for Yoon to either resign or face impeachment. Senior DP member Park Chan-dae issued a strong statement, declaring, "It was clearly revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down."

This sentiment resonated with a broad coalition of six opposition parties, which promptly submitted an impeachment bill, setting the stage for a vote anticipated later this week.

The ruling People Power Party also found itself divided over Yoon's actions, with calls from within the party to dismiss Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and to consider a cabinet reshuffle. Such fractures within the ruling party highlight the growing discontent with Yoon's leadership.

In a remarkable demonstration of legislative power, South Korea's parliament convened swiftly in response to the martial law declaration. Within hours, 190 of the 300 members voted unanimously to lift the martial law, demonstrating a strong commitment to uphold democratic norms. This included participation from members of Yoon's own party, reflecting a significant shift in support.

Following the parliamentary action, President Yoon retracted his martial law decree just six hours after its announcement, a move that was met with relief and celebration by protesters outside the National Assembly. Many expressed their triumph, chanting "We won!" and celebrating their successful resistance against the government’s heavy-handed approach.

In a telephone interview, a South Korean presidential official attempted to justify the martial law decision, acknowledging public concerns while asserting that it was enacted within the constitutional framework.

"There are opinions that it was too much to go to emergency martial law, and that we did not follow the procedures for emergency martial law, but it was done strictly within the constitutional framework," the official stated.