Thousands Call for South Korean President’s Resignation

AFP/APP

Seoul: Thousands of protesters marched towards South Korea’s parliament on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial and short-lived imposition of martial law.

The unprecedented move, which marked the first suspension of civilian rule in over 40 years, was swiftly overturned by lawmakers in a dramatic late-night session, sparking national and international concern.

Yoon, a conservative leader and former star prosecutor elected in 2022, now faces an uncertain political future. Protesters in Seoul carried placards calling for his resignation while the main opposition party held a parallel rally outside the parliament.

South Korea’s opposition lawmakers have also filed a motion to impeach Yoon, with a vote potentially taking place by Friday. Holding a commanding majority in the 300-member assembly, the opposition needs only a few defections from Yoon’s party to secure the two-thirds majority required for impeachment.

Additionally, charges of “insurrection” — punishable by life imprisonment or death — have been brought against Yoon, key ministers, and senior security officials. The nation’s largest labor union has declared an “indefinite general strike” until Yoon steps down.

Even members of the president’s party have criticized his martial law decision, with some calling it a “tragic misstep” warranting accountability.

The turmoil weighed heavily on financial markets, with Seoul’s stock exchange closing down by over one percent on Wednesday.