South Korea’s President Avoids an Impeachment Attempt Over Short-Lived Martial Law

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – DECEMBER 03: In this handout image provided by South Korean Presidential Office, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol speaks during the declaration of emergency martial law at the Presidential Office on December 03, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing the opposition of “anti-state activities plotting rebellion.” (Photo by South Korean Presidential Office via Getty Images)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon’s ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals.