South Korean parliament votes to impeach President Yoon

A second motion submitted by the largest opposition party in South Korea to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol secured the required two-thirds majority in the country’s parliament on Saturday.

Their first motion a week ago failed after members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the proceedings, leaving it without a needed quorum.

Of the 300 members, 204 voted in favour of launching impeachment proceedings.

Prime Minister Han Duck Soo is to assume presidential duties until the Constitutional Court takes the final decision on whether to confirm Yoon’s impeachment or declare it unconstitutional.

The opposition has accused Yoon of violating the constitution after his unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3. The move shocked the nation but was rescinded just hours later following massive public resistance.