South Koreans took to the streets on Wednesday, angry with President Yoon Suk Yeol. It must be recognized that his aborted coup on Tuesday to try to impose the country's first martial law since 1980 shocked the citizens of this young democracy.
If the South Korean Minister of Defense, Kim Yong-hyun, the chief of staff and several advisors to the President resigned on Wednesday, Yoon Suk Yeol is standing his ground. But his stubbornness could prove useless; indeed, South Korean opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment motion against him. To be adopted, this motion needs the support of two thirds of Parliament, as well as that of six constitutional judges. According to the press agency Yonhapit could be put to the vote as early as Friday.
According to the text of the motion filed by six opposition parties, President Yoon seriously and widely violated the constitution
in order toavoid criminal prosecution
by imposing martial law (withdrew soon after by parliamentary injunction) and placing institutions under the control of the military.
If this motion passes, Yoon will be suspended from office pending confirmation from the Constitutional Court, which will have 180 days to rule. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will then serve as interim president. In the event of impeachment, a presidential election must take place within 60 days.
Separately, the Democratic Party, the main opposition force, announced that it would file charges against Yoon, his interior and defense ministers and other senior officials for rebellion
.
