SEOUL: The Democratic Party, South Korea's main opposition, has submitted a fresh impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial attempt to declare martial law. This move comes mere days after a previous impeachment effort failed due to a boycott by ruling party lawmakers.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Democratic Party's latest action is supported by five other opposition parties. Last Saturday, the initial impeachment motion was voided because nearly all members of President Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) abstained, preventing a quorum. Despite this setback, the Democratic Party has committed to introducing new impeachment motions weekly.The grounds for impeachment, as cited in both motions, center around President Yoon's December 3 declaration of martial law, which the opposition argues was unconstitutional and unlawful. The Democratic Party intends to present the motion at a plenary session on Friday, setting the stage for a vote by 5 p.m. on Saturday.Under Sout h Korean law, an impeachment motion must be voted on within 24 to 72 hours of being reported to a plenary session. To pass, the motion requires the backing of two-thirds of the 300-member National Assembly. The opposition bloc consists of 192 lawmakers, necessitating support from only eight of the 108 PPP members for the motion to succeed.As of Thursday, seven PPP lawmakers have publicly expressed their support for impeaching President Yoon.
- September 13, 2026
