South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol survives impeachment vote after boycott by ruling party MPs

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an impeachment motion in the opposition-led National Assembly after members of his ruling People Power Party boycotted the vote. Only 195 votes were cast, falling short of the 200 needed for the motion to pass and suspend Yoon from office. The opposition, holding a majority in the parliament, vowed to pursue another impeachment vote.

The crisis erupted earlier in the week when Yoon briefly declared martial law—a move that stunned the nation and rattled global markets. The decree, which would have been the first of its kind since South Korea’s democratic transition nearly 40 years ago, was rescinded within six hours after lawmakers mobilized to reject it. Opposition MPs even scaled walls to enter the parliament and cast their votes.

Saturday’s vote showcased intense political drama, with opposition lawmakers urging ruling party members to cross the aisle. Three members of the People Power Party cast ballots, but it was insufficient to meet the threshold for impeachment. Protests swelled outside the National Assembly, with over 100,000 demonstrators calling for Yoon’s removal, compared to smaller rallies supporting the president.

Yoon addressed the nation earlier on Saturday, December 7 apologizing for the “anxiety” caused by his actions but stopping short of resigning. Instead, he deferred decisions about his political future to his party. Critics accuse Yoon of abusing his power and potentially endangering citizens by declaring martial law. Investigations are underway, with prosecutors, police, and anti-corruption officials probing allegations of insurrection, abuse of authority, and obstruction of rights against Yoon and several high-ranking officials. Convictions could carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death sentence.

The opposition plans to quickly reattempt impeachment, while Yoon’s party has called for a more measured resolution to the escalating political crisis.