Seoul: The leadership of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has announced its intention to consider impeaching Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun. This move comes amid allegations that the Defense Ministry has been neglecting the issue of anti-North Korean leaflets being launched by South Korean activists, which is said to be heightening tensions with North Korea.According to Yonhap News Agency, a member of the DPK's supreme council stated during a meeting on Monday that the ministry's inaction is akin to "playing with fire to save first lady Kim Keon Hee." The council member suggested that the Defense Ministry's actions are a diversion from ongoing allegations against the first lady's illegal intervention in state affairs. The party is also advocating for a special counsel probe into these allegations, yet the reasons cited for impeaching the defense minister are described as "incomprehensible and far-fetched."The calls for impeachment follow a warning from Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who threatened repercussions for Seoul's allowance of leaflet launches towards the North. This situation echoes a past incident when the Moon Jae-in government moved to ban the leaflets shortly after a similar demand from Kim Yo-jong.A ministerial impeachment requires a majority vote in the National Assembly. Holding a majority, the Democratic Party could pass such a motion independently. However, for the impeachment to be upheld, at least six of the nine Constitutional Court justices must agree, a challenging feat given only six justices currently serve, requiring unanimous consent. Past precedents, such as the prolonged suspension of Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, indicate that impeachment processes can significantly delay a minister's duties.For impeachment to proceed, there must be substantial reasons, such as serious constitutional or legal violations related to official duties. The Democratic Party's rationale for targeting Defense Minister Kim is seen as insufficiently substantial, leading to doubts about the Constitutional Court upholding any potential motion.Moreover, a previous Constitutional Court ruling against banning leaflet launches, based on freedom of expression, complicates the justification for the defense minister's impeachment. The security climate on the Korean Peninsula is tense, especially with North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine conflict alongside Russia, which could enhance its military capabilities with advanced technologies.Recently, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un instructed military commanders to prepare for war, as North Korea continued its provocations, including balloon launches into the South. The Democratic Party's impeachment efforts amidst this volatile backdrop raise questions about their motives, particularly as their leader, Lee Jae-myung, faces legal challenges.The Democratic Party has historically leveraged impeachment for political strategy, having pursued motions against five high-ranking officials. Yet, prioritizing political gain over national security could have significant repercussions, especially in the current geopolitical climate.
- October 12, 2026
