What's happened
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing impeachment following his controversial declaration of martial law, which lasted only six hours. The opposition parties are rallying support to remove him from office, citing constitutional violations and insurrection. Political turmoil continues as protests grow and lawmakers prepare for another vote.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, President Yoon's declaration of martial law was met with immediate backlash, leading to protests and calls for impeachment. Choe Sang-Hun notes that the opposition's impeachment bill requires support from Yoon's own party, which has seen some members shift their stance. The Japan Times highlights Yoon's defiance, stating he vowed to 'fight to the end,' while the South China Morning Post emphasizes the constitutional crisis stemming from his actions. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions within the governing party about the impeachment vote.
How we got here
Yoon's attempt to impose military rule on December 3 triggered widespread outrage and accusations of insurrection. His governing party's initial boycott of the impeachment vote has led to increased calls for his resignation and ongoing protests demanding accountability.
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
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Lee Jae-myung is a South Korean politician and attorney who has been serving as Governor of Gyeonggi Province since 2018. Prior to this, he served as Mayor of Seongnam, the tenth largest city in South Korea, from 2010 to 2018.
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.