South Korean lawmakers have started voting on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol.
It is the second vote on whether to oust their leader for his declaration of martial law, which threw the nation's politics into chaos.
Major local media outlets expect the motion will likely pass. More ruling party members intend to support the motion, they added.
The opposition has submitted another motion against the embattled leader, with the vote on Saturday. The ruling People Power Party members boycotted the first vote, a week ago.
Saturday's motion needs two-thirds of the National Assembly to pass, including at least eight PPP lawmakers.
As of Friday night, seven reportedly intend to vote against Yoon. Major newspaper Hankyoreh reports the number has exceeded eight.
The PPP lawmakers are apparently discussing how to deal with the motion. Party leader Han Dong-hoon called on them to approve the bill, but those who are close to President Yoon are still reportedly resistant.
Yoon declared martial law on December 3, but lawmakers overturned the decision just hours later. He is now subject to a criminal investigation. And there are growing calls for him to step down.
Yoon apologized, but has since grown more defiant. He addressed the nation on Thursday, saying he had no choice but to declare martial law because the opposition has paralyzed national politics.
He also vowed to stand firm against both the probe and attempt to have him impeached.
Public anger in South Korea has not waned. Crowds continue to gather outside the National Assembly.
Authorities are also closing in on people within their own ranks. Reports say they have arrested National Police Agency Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho. He reportedly said during questioning that Yoon repeatedly told him to arrest members of the assembly after declaring martial law.
Authorities have also detained the head of Seoul's Metropolitan Police Agency.
If the National Assembly impeaches Yoon, he will be suspended from his duties. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will take over.
South Korean media report the suspension takes effect once the bill is delivered to the presidential office after approval.
Leading newspaper Dong-A Ilbo reported that when former President Park Geun-hye was impeached in 2016, her duties were suspended about 3 hours after the bill was passed.
It is the second vote on whether to oust their leader for his declaration of martial law, which threw the nation's politics into chaos.
Major local media outlets expect the motion will likely pass. More ruling party members intend to support the motion, they added.
The opposition has submitted another motion against the embattled leader, with the vote on Saturday. The ruling People Power Party members boycotted the first vote, a week ago.
Saturday's motion needs two-thirds of the National Assembly to pass, including at least eight PPP lawmakers.
As of Friday night, seven reportedly intend to vote against Yoon. Major newspaper Hankyoreh reports the number has exceeded eight.
The PPP lawmakers are apparently discussing how to deal with the motion. Party leader Han Dong-hoon called on them to approve the bill, but those who are close to President Yoon are still reportedly resistant.
Yoon declared martial law on December 3, but lawmakers overturned the decision just hours later. He is now subject to a criminal investigation. And there are growing calls for him to step down.
Yoon apologized, but has since grown more defiant. He addressed the nation on Thursday, saying he had no choice but to declare martial law because the opposition has paralyzed national politics.
He also vowed to stand firm against both the probe and attempt to have him impeached.
Public anger in South Korea has not waned. Crowds continue to gather outside the National Assembly.
Authorities are also closing in on people within their own ranks. Reports say they have arrested National Police Agency Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho. He reportedly said during questioning that Yoon repeatedly told him to arrest members of the assembly after declaring martial law.
Authorities have also detained the head of Seoul's Metropolitan Police Agency.
If the National Assembly impeaches Yoon, he will be suspended from his duties. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will take over.
South Korean media report the suspension takes effect once the bill is delivered to the presidential office after approval.
Leading newspaper Dong-A Ilbo reported that when former President Park Geun-hye was impeached in 2016, her duties were suspended about 3 hours after the bill was passed.
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Summary
South Korean lawmakers are voting on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol over his martial law declaration, which is under criminal investigation. The opposition submitted another motion, with Saturday's vote requiring a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, including at
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ID: 3c1001ef-a120-4a88-8e8f-36ec59d08eef
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20241214_06/
Date: Dec. 14, 2024
Created: 2024/12/16 07:00
Updated: 2025/12/08 07:50
Last Read: 2024/12/16 07:22