South Korea’s National Assembly has impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking a dramatic turn in the country’s political landscape after his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month.
In an extraordinary session on Saturday, according to CNN report, lawmakers voted decisively to remove Yoon from office, with 204 in favour and 85 against.
The vote came after members of Yoon’s own ruling party joined the opposition, reflecting growing discontent over his refusal to resign.
The impeachment sparked scenes of jubilation among protesters gathered outside the parliament.
Yoon had declared martial law on December 3 in a televised address, claiming it was necessary to protect the constitutional order.
He alleged that opposition lawmakers were collaborating with North Korea to destabilize the government. The declaration triggered widespread protests and an emergency session in the National Assembly.
Though Yoon rescinded the martial law order just six hours later, the fallout led to a constitutional crisis. Lawmakers accused him of overstepping his authority and moved to impeach him.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting leader during the Constitutional Court’s review of the impeachment, which could take up to 180 days. Yoon will remain in office in a limited capacity until the court issues its ruling.
The Constitutional Court, currently operating with only six of its nine justices, must unanimously uphold the impeachment for it to take effect. If upheld, a presidential election would be held within 60 days.
Yoon would become South Korea’s third president to face impeachment, following Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 and Park Geun-Hye in 2017. While Roh was reinstated, Park was removed from office, leading to a snap election.