NOBARTV NEWS – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is now facing the death penalty after declaring martial law on December 3, 2024. The decision was made following rising tensions with North Korea. However, the martial law lasted only six hours after being broadcast live on television, before being lifted after strong opposition from lawmakers.
Reasons for the Declaration of Martial Law
Yoon Suk Yeol claimed that the declaration of martial law was made to counter threats from North Korea as well as anti-state activities by domestic political opponents. However, the move was deemed unconstitutional by many. 190 out of 300 lawmakers voted against the decision, stating that Yoon's actions were potentially unlawful and that the announcement was not legally valid.
"This martial law is an unconstitutional and potentially illegal step."
"We are investigating President Yoon on suspicion of rebellion, which could result in the death penalty.," South Korean police said in a statement, quoted from AFP.
After the declaration of martial law, the situation in South Korea became chaotic. Demonstrations by the public occurred as a form of rejection of the action that was considered illegitimate. South Korean police are now investigating President Yoon for alleged rebellion. In their statement, the police said that Yoon could be sentenced to death if found guilty. This investigation further worsens Yoon's position in the eyes of the South Korean public and politicians.
Impeachment Process Begins
On December 5, 2024, the South Korean National Assembly began impeachment proceedings against President Yoon. The Democratic Party, the opposition party with the majority of seats in parliament, filed an impeachment motion. They accused Yoon of abusing his power to avoid investigations into alleged illegal acts involving him and his family. The impeachment motion is scheduled to be debated at 19:00 p.m. local time, and if approved, Yoon will be suspended from office until further decision by the Constitutional Court.
The People Power Party (PPP), which is President Yoon's party, has said it will try to block the impeachment motion. They have said they will remain solid in supporting President Yoon and reject the impeachment attempt despite heavy pressure from the opposition. This adds to the political tension in the country, as the impeachment process further exacerbates the long-standing political polarization.
In addition to the threat of impeachment, President Yoon is also facing enormous economic and political pressure. Recently, the Democratic Party, which dominates parliament, reduced Yoon's government budget by 41 trillion won (around Rp. 46 trillion). This budget reduction has further worsened the economic situation that Yoon is facing. In addition, President Yoon was also forced to veto several laws passed by the opposition, further demonstrating the government's weak position in parliament.
Since being elected president in mid-2022, Yoon Suk Yeol has faced a number of major issues. One of them was the Halloween tragedy that killed more than 150 people in October 2022. The incident drew widespread criticism of his administration, which was considered to have failed to properly manage the situation. In addition, Yoon has also received heavy criticism regarding food inflation, sluggish economic growth, and increasingly strict restrictions on freedom of speech in the country.
Another scandal that tarnished President Yoon's image was the government's accusation of misusing veto power to thwart an investigation into alleged stock manipulation involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Yoon was also embroiled in a scandal involving a $2.000 designer bag gift that his wife secretly received, as well as a case involving his mother-in-law who was involved in falsifying real estate transaction documents.
Impeachment Petition Gaining Public Support
Not only from political circles, the petition to impeach Yoon also received widespread support from the public. The petition that started early this year received great attention to the point that it caused the parliamentary website to crash due to the high number of supporters. This shows how great the public's dissatisfaction with Yoon's leadership is and further complicates his political future.
President Yoon’s decision to declare martial law was seen as a highly controversial move, as the country had not experienced such a move since 1980. The announcement raised major questions about the limits of executive power and the potential threat to democracy in South Korea. The use of martial law as a political tool to break the legislative deadlock was seen as an unjustified move that threatened democratic principles.
As the situation escalates, President Yoon Suk Yeol’s political future becomes increasingly uncertain. Political pressure coming from various directions, from the opposition, parliament, and the public, is pointing to the increasingly real possibility of impeachment. His controversial decisions have further tarnished his government’s image and put Yoon’s position in jeopardy. This will be a major test of the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions and their ability to withstand undemocratic political pressure.
President Yoon is now at a critical crossroads, where the political future and stability of South Korea's government depend on how this situation will develop.
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