South Korea's Parliament Impeaches President Yoon Suk-yeol Amid Political Turmoil 🇰🇷
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's National Assembly voted on Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol on allegations of insurrection. 😲 The motion passed with an overwhelming 204 out of 300 votes in favor, surpassing the required 200-vote threshold, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The impeachment comes in the wake of a failed attempt by President Yoon to impose martial law on December 3, which plunged the nation into political chaos and ignited massive protests across Seoul. 🪧 Thousands hit the streets, either supporting or opposing the embattled president, showcasing the deep divisions within the country.
In a televised address following the vote, President Yoon stated, \"Though I must now step aside for a while, the journey toward the future must never come to a stop.\" He urged an end to the \"politics of excess and confrontation,\" signaling a hope for unity amid the upheaval.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will step in as the interim leader 🇰🇷 while the Constitutional Court reviews the impeachment over the next 180 days. If upheld, Yoon would become only the second president in South Korea's history to be formally removed from office.
The main opposition, the Democratic Party, hailed the impeachment as a \"victory of the people.\" 🎉 Floor leader Park Chan-dae expressed optimism for the country's future, emphasizing the need for stable leadership.
Meanwhile, President Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) showed cracks in unity. Although they opposed the motion, they did not boycott the vote as they had previously. Eighty-five lawmakers voted against impeachment, but the motion still passed, indicating some members may have switched sides. 🤔
This political earthquake has left many young South Koreans hopeful for change, while others remain concerned about the nation's stability. 🌟 As the world watches, South Korea stands at a crossroads, with its future leadership hanging in the balance.
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South Korean lawmakers vote to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol
cgtn.com
