theglobalsun – South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) has officially endorsed efforts to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his contentious decision to declare martial law. The move has triggered a national political crisis and widespread public outrage.
The announcement came shortly before President Yoon delivered a defiant speech on Thursday, in which he attempted to defend his martial law declaration. Rejecting growing demands from across the political spectrum, Yoon made it clear he has no intention of resigning.
Initially, the PPP refrained from supporting impeachment, hoping instead to persuade Yoon to step down voluntarily. However, party leader Han Dong-hoon announced that all efforts to convince the president to resign had failed.
“We explored alternatives to impeachment, but none are viable,” Han said. “Suspending the president’s duties through impeachment is now the only way to safeguard democracy and the republic.”
The opposition Democratic Party has already drafted a new impeachment motion against Yoon, with a vote expected as early as Saturday. The president narrowly avoided impeachment last weekend when PPP lawmakers abstained from voting.
However, with the PPP now backing impeachment, Han stated that party members are free to vote based on their “belief and conscience.” He expressed confidence that PPP lawmakers would prioritize the nation’s well-being over political loyalty.
“I trust our party members will cast their votes for the sake of the country and its people,” Han said.
Ruling Party Shifts Stance Amid Growing Pressure on Yoon Over Crisis
South Korea’s political crisis deepened Thursday as the ruling People Power Party (PPP) reversed its stance, dramatically increasing pressure on President Yoon Suk Yeol and raising the likelihood of his impeachment. The shift follows mounting public and political backlash over Yoon’s declaration of martial law earlier this month.
President Yoon has faced widespread condemnation since announcing a military emergency on December 3, accusing the opposition Democratic Party of “anti-state activities,” sympathizing with North Korea, and obstructing legislative processes. His late-night declaration, quickly nullified by lawmakers, sent shockwaves across the country.
The announcement revived painful memories of martial law’s brutal history during South Korea’s military dictatorship era, before the nation’s hard-won democracy in the 1980s. Dramatic scenes of that night included security forces attempting to break into the National Assembly and protesters clashing with riot police.
Public outrage has since grown, with protests erupting nationwide and even members of Yoon’s own party and military expressing dissent. Law enforcement has launched a treason investigation into Yoon and top officials involved in the martial law declaration. On Tuesday, lawmakers approved a special counsel to investigate allegations of insurrection and abuse of power. Authorities have barred Yoon from leaving the country, and police conducted a raid on the presidential office on Wednesday.
Several high-ranking officials close to Yoon have faced consequences. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of advising the martial law declaration, was detained and later attempted suicide in custody. Meanwhile, lawmakers voted Thursday to impeach Justice Minister Park Sung-jae and National Police Agency Chief Cho Ji-ho for their roles in the crisis.
With the PPP now supporting impeachment, Yoon’s political future hangs by a thread as South Korea navigates one of its most volatile moments in decades.
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South Korea’s President Yoon Defends Martial Law Decision
In South Korea’s increasingly polarized political landscape. President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his brief declaration of martial law during a defiant speech on Thursday. Yoon, a former prosecutor known for his conservative stance, accused the opposition Democratic Party of siding with North Korea—a claim the party denies.
Yoon framed the martial law declaration as a necessary step to resolve the ongoing political gridlock. He accused the opposition of undermining the government’s efforts to address North Korea’s provocations. Including illegal nuclear armament, missile threats, and the recent launches of trash balloons into South Korea. “I don’t know which country the party belongs to or which country the National Assembly belongs to,” Yoon said, criticizing the Democratic Party.
Yoon’s presidency has been marred by controversies and plummeting approval ratings. Economic struggles, scandals involving his wife and political appointments, and increasing calls for his resignation have plagued his two years in office. Recently, parliamentary gridlock has turned him into a lame-duck president. Unable to advance key legislation such as tax cuts and regulatory reforms. The Democratic Party has further stalled his agenda by impeaching cabinet members and delaying the budget bill.
During his speech, Yoon dismissed accusations of treason as “false incitements” orchestrated by the opposition. He argued that the martial law declaration aimed to “maintain order, not to dismiss the National Assembly or paralyze its functions.” Highlighting his restraint. Yoon stated, “If I wanted to paralyze the National Assembly, I would have acted differently—cutting power, water, and broadcasting. But I didn’t.”
Despite increasing pressure, Yoon vowed to fight for his presidency. “I apologize to the people who were surprised or anxious due to the brief martial law,” he said. “Please trust my passionate loyalty to you, the people.”
