Seoul (Web Desk): South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol managed to survive an impeachment motion in the opposition-dominated parliament on Saturday, which had been triggered by his brief attempt to declare martial law earlier in the week.
The motion failed to meet the required 200 votes for approval, with only 195 votes being cast.
Many lawmakers from his People Power Party (PPP) chose to boycott the vote, and only three members of the party voted in favor of the motion.
Yoon’s decision to grant the military sweeping emergency powers to address what he called “anti-state forces” and confront political opposition sparked national outrage.
He quickly revoked the order, but the damage was done. Despite the failure of the impeachment motion, the opposition Democratic Party is planning to propose a new bill to impeach Yoon on December 11, with a vote set for December 14.
In a public apology, Yoon expressed regret over the distress his actions caused the public, acknowledging the anxiety and disruption he had created.
He stated that the resolution of the political crisis, including decisions about his tenure, would be left to his party.
While the PPP distanced itself from the impeachment idea, it vowed to seek a more orderly solution to the crisis.
Yoon’s popularity has taken a sharp dive, with recent surveys showing his approval rating at an all-time low of just 13%.
Even though the impeachment motion failed, investigations are underway, with authorities looking into potential charges related to insurrection.
The political turmoil surrounding Yoon is far from over, and the opposition has pledged to continue pressing for his removal from office.
