South Korea on Edge: President Yoon Faces Impeachment Amid Martial Law Scandal
South Korea is reeling from a political crisis of historic proportions as President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an impeachment vote following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week. The brief but shocking attempt to impose military rule has drawn comparisons to South Korea’s darkest authoritarian chapters, igniting fierce debate, investigations, and a potential realignment of the nation’s political power.
A Tumultuous Week: Martial Law and Its Aftermath
The drama unfolded on Tuesday when Yoon declared martial law, citing the need to combat “anti-state forces” and political obstruction. The announcement sent shockwaves across the country, with critics labeling it an unprecedented abuse of power in a democratic era. Within hours, parliament moved swiftly to overturn the decree, including dissenting votes from within Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP).
The fallout was immediate. By Wednesday, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned, taking responsibility for the chaos, while police and prosecutors launched investigations into the president and other high-ranking officials. Adding to the scandal, it was revealed that Commander Kwak Jong-geun of South Korea’s special forces had been ordered to physically remove lawmakers from parliament on the night martial law was declared—a directive Kwak called “highly irregular.”
Phone records and testimonies have further implicated Yoon’s administration in orchestrating a coordinated effort to sideline political opponents. Critics argue that the martial law declaration was not an isolated decision but part of a broader scheme involving the so-called “Choongam faction,” an alleged network of influential alumni from Choongam High School in Seoul.
The ‘Choongam Faction’: A Shadowy Network?
The emergence of the “Choongam faction” has amplified public scrutiny. This alleged group, linked to key figures like Kim Yong-hyun, Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, and Defense Counterintelligence Chief Yeo In-hyeong, has drawn comparisons to the infamous Hanahoe military clique that supported the dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan in the 1980s.
While Kim denied the faction’s existence during his confirmation hearing in September, recent revelations suggest otherwise. Critics allege that this network facilitated the illegal martial law declaration, leveraging personal connections to execute plans outside legal and democratic norms.
Han Dong-hoon, the PPP leader, underscored these concerns, citing “credible evidence” that Yoon and his inner circle intended to detain political opponents at Gwacheon, just south of Seoul.
Ruling Party in Turmoil
The martial law debacle has fractured the ruling PPP. Once a staunch ally of President Yoon, Han Dong-hoon has now taken a sharp turn, calling for the president’s suspension. His statement on Friday, which described Yoon’s actions as a direct threat to national safety, marked a dramatic escalation.
“Considering the newly emerging facts, I believe that a swift suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s duties is necessary to safeguard the Republic of Korea and its people,” Han said during an emergency party meeting.
While Han stopped short of explicitly endorsing impeachment, his comments suggest a growing willingness within the party to distance itself from Yoon. A minority faction of PPP lawmakers had already joined opposition members in voting to overturn the martial law decree, and Han’s remarks could embolden more defections.
However, not all PPP members are on board. Senior lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun voiced strong opposition to impeachment, warning against handing control to the opposition Democratic Party (DP). “We cannot impeach the president tomorrow and hand over the regime to Lee Jae-myung’s Democratic Party,” he said, framing impeachment as a threat to South Korea’s stability.
Opposition Intensifies Pressure
For the opposition DP, led by Lee Jae-myung, the martial law declaration represents a clear case of insurrection. The DP has accused Yoon of attempting a coup to solidify his grip on power.
“The declaration of martial law was not governance—it was rebellion,” Lee stated on Friday. Opposition lawmakers have taken proactive steps, including maintaining a continuous presence in parliament’s plenary session hall to block any further attempts at military rule.
DP spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong argued that public sentiment had already turned decisively against Yoon. “The people have already psychologically impeached Yoon,” she said, emphasizing the moral imperative for lawmakers to follow suit.
Related: South Korea’s Six-Hour Crisis: Martial Law Declared and Revoked Amid Political Turmoil
What’s at Stake?
Saturday’s impeachment vote could be a defining moment for South Korea’s democracy. If passed, it would trigger a Constitutional Court review to determine whether Yoon should be permanently removed from office—a process that could take up to six months. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume interim presidential duties, leaving the nation in a state of political limbo.
Political analysts have warned that the stakes are exceptionally high. Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University, noted that the crisis has revealed deep vulnerabilities in South Korea’s political system. “The fact that martial law was even considered in a modern democracy is alarming,” Shin said, adding that the situation underscores the need for stronger safeguards against executive overreach.
International Implications
The scandal has also drawn international attention, with global markets monitoring the potential impact on South Korea’s economic stability. As the world’s 10th-largest economy and a key player in global tech and trade, any prolonged political instability could have ripple effects far beyond its borders.
Foreign governments have expressed concern, with some calling for calm and adherence to democratic principles. South Korea’s allies, particularly the United States, have emphasized the importance of preserving the rule of law in a region already fraught with geopolitical tensions.
A Nation Awaits
As the impeachment vote looms, South Koreans are grappling with a mixture of outrage, uncertainty, and apprehension. Whether President Yoon survives this political storm or becomes the latest leader to fall from grace, the crisis has already left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
For now, all eyes are on Saturday evening, when parliament will decide the fate of a presidency and, potentially, the direction of South Korea’s democracy.
