 |
| Protesters celebrating in Seoul as the vote to impeach the president was announced on Saturday.Chang W. Lee/The New York Times |
This was the first time the country was placed under military rule in 45 years. He claimed he was blocked by opposition for blocking his plans in parliament. His intent was to seize power, which failed badly and resulted in massive protests. The martial law was revoked by Parliament and protests came swift and angry.
Crowds gather to protest President Yoon Suk Yeol.
When the impeachment bill passed, people in the streets of Korea cheered. Yoon's popularity was plummeting steeply over the past year or so. The opposition party dominated the agenda, and he couldn't take being questioned about his suggested policies.
Within 6 months, Korea's Constructional Court will decide whether to reinstate him or formally remove him. If removed, they have to elect a new leader within 60 days.
The unbelievable moment when he attempted to lock down power illegally lasted only 6 hours. But it sent a stark message to others thinking about taking power without democracy: You will lose.
His own party, loyal to a fault opposed the impeachment. Mr. Yoon's Peoples Party boycotted the voting, claiming he could be given a chance to resign instead of being impeached.
In Mr. Yoon's pathetic defense, he claimed Martial Law was there part of the Presidential Power granted by the Constitution. He will likely be the first Korean President arrested before his term officially ends.
Insurrection carries the price of the death penalty or life imprisonment for anyone found to be responsible for it.
Western media looked confused when this happened 11 days ago. Stone News Network was shocked, having never seen such desperate grasps of authority.
We will watch closely over the next few days and months to see what happens in South Korea. One is hopeful that democracy is alive and well.
Comments
Post a Comment