Yoon Faces Impeachment Threats as Opposition Demands Resignation

South Korea plunged deeper into political chaos as the main opposition Democratic Party demanded President Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation or threatened impeachment after his controversial imposition of martial law. Declared late Tuesday and lifted within six hours, the martial law order triggered a swift parliamentary response, with lawmakers voting 190-0 to annul it. Yoon’s actions, which temporarily saw armed troops encircling the National Assembly, have been condemned as a breach of the constitution and a step back for the country’s democracy.

The opposition, citing the president’s failure to meet constitutional criteria for such an emergency measure, labeled the martial law decree a "grave rebellion." While Yoon has remained publicly silent, his office confirmed that senior aides had offered resignations, signaling internal fallout. The ruling party, too, faces dissent, with some members supporting the parliamentary vote to overturn the decree.

International reactions added to the pressure, with the United States expressing serious concern over the events. The brief but alarming show of military power evoked memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past, raising fears about the health of its democratic institutions. Meanwhile, Yoon's rhetoric against opposition lawmakers as “pro-North Korean anti-state forces” further fueled tensions in an already polarized political landscape.

As impeachment looms and trust in Yoon's leadership erodes, South Korea finds itself at a critical crossroads, grappling with political discord that could shape its democratic future.