South Korean President Faces Second Impeachment Vote as Thousands Rally

AFP/APP

Seoul: South Korean lawmakers formally began deliberations on Saturday regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid. The parliamentary session started at 4:00 pm (0700 GMT), following a previous attempt to remove him a week ago, which failed.

For the impeachment resolution to pass, 200 votes are required. Opposition lawmakers need to persuade at least eight parliamentarians from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to switch sides; seven have already pledged their support.

According to a Seoul police official, authorities anticipate a turnout of at least 200,000 people rallying outside parliament in favor of the impeachment. “If Yoon isn’t impeached today, I’ll return next week,” said 24-year-old protester Yoo Hee-jin. “I’ll keep coming every week until it happens.”

Meanwhile, in Gwanghwamun Square, thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered, waving South Korean and American flags while blasting patriotic songs. “Yoon had no choice but to declare martial law. I approve of every decision he has made as president,” said Choi Hee-sun, 62, a supporter of the president.

Yoon has vowed to continue fighting the impeachment effort, doubling down on claims that the opposition is aligned with the country’s communist enemies.