South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has successfully evaded an impeachment vote, following a strategic boycott by members of his own ruling party.
The political tension reached its peak as the People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers exited the parliamentary chamber en masse, effectively nullifying the opposition's attempt to oust the president.
The impeachment motion, which required a two-thirds majority or 200 votes to pass, was left in limbo as only 194 MPs were present. The absence of the PPP members, save for a few, ensured that the vote could not proceed as planned.
"This is ignoring the will of the people," chided the Speaker of the National Assembly, addressing the departing MPs. The opposition erupted in cheers at this rebuke, but their efforts to impeach the president were thwarted nonetheless.
Outside the parliament, tensions ran high as protestors gathered, chanting "traitors" and urging the lawmakers to return and cast their votes. The scene was reminiscent of past political upheavals, with police stepping up controls to manage the swelling crowd and prevent any incidents akin to the tragic Halloween crowd crush in Itaewon two years prior.
President Yoon, who assumed office on May 10, 2022, has faced mounting criticism and declining popularity, exacerbated by recent controversies including his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. This move, which he justified by accusing the National Assembly of pro-North Korea sympathies, was swiftly nullified by an emergency motion from the assembly itself.
Despite the setback in the impeachment proceedings, the opposition remains determined. They have indicated that the earliest a second vote can take place is December 11, 2024.
Meanwhile, Ahn Cheol-soo, a prominent member of the PPP who remained in the chamber, has publicly stated his support for the impeachment if President Yoon does not step down voluntarily.
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