What's happened
South Korea's parliament impeached President Yoon over his martial law attempt, suspending his powers. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is now acting leader, but political strife continues as the Constitutional Court deliberates on Yoon's fate amid calls for new justices to fill vacancies.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon reflects a significant loss of confidence in his leadership, with citizens celebrating his removal as a victory for democracy. However, the political turmoil continues, as Prime Minister Han Duck-soo steps in without a clear mandate, complicating governance during this crisis. The Independent highlights the challenges posed by the Constitutional Court's vacancies, emphasizing that the current six-member panel could favor Yoon's reinstatement. The Democratic Party's push to fill these vacancies is met with resistance from Yoon's supporters, illustrating the deep divisions within South Korean politics. Choe Sang-Hun from the New York Times notes that Yoon faces serious legal challenges, including investigations into insurrection, which could further destabilize the political landscape.
How we got here
Yoon's presidency faced mounting unpopularity, culminating in a failed martial law declaration on December 3. His impeachment reflects deep political divisions and a struggle for power within South Korea's government.
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