Payam Javan: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by the opposition-led National Assembly following his controversial attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. The impeachment vote, passed with 204 votes in favor out of 300, suspends Yoon’s powers and shifts his political fate to the Constitutional Court, which has six months to decide on his removal. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president during this period. Yoon retains his presidential title and immunity from most charges, except for insurrection or treason. The People Power Party (PPP), Yoon’s own party, officially opposed the impeachment, but key members, including the party leader, supported the motion following Yoon’s defiant address earlier in the week.

Yoon justified his martial law declaration as a measure to maintain order amid what he described as destabilizing actions by the opposition Democratic Party. Accusing the opposition of undermining government operations and sympathizing with North Korea, Yoon sent troops to the National Assembly, a move that critics argue violated democratic norms. Although he apologized for the decision and expressed regret for alarming the public, Yoon maintained that his actions were necessary to protect the nation’s constitutional order. The impeachment has sparked debates about the limits of presidential power and the role of military intervention in politics.

Prosecutors have launched a treason investigation into Yoon and top officials involved in the martial law declaration, including his former defense minister. A special counsel has been appointed to probe the case, reflecting widespread distrust of public prosecutors, given Yoon’s former role as prosecutor-general. In the meantime, the Justice Ministry has banned Yoon and eight others from leaving the country. Acting President Han, a seasoned political figure with decades of experience, is tasked with stabilizing the government during this turbulent period. Han’s leadership under five different presidents, spanning both conservative and liberal administrations, positions him as a steadying influence amid the unfolding political crisis.