The opposition in South Korea demands a prompt ruling on Yoon’s impeachment

The opposition in South Korea has demanded a speedy court decision about Yoon’s impeachment, cautioning that postponements exacerbate political tensions.

The Constitutional Court should rule quickly on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, the opposition Democratic Party of South Korea has recommended, pointing out that delays are escalating political unpredictability and societal tensions.

Tensions between Yoon’s supporters, who want his restoration, and his detractors, who want his permanent removal due to a contentious martial law proclamation, grew as the court began its third week of deliberations.

Parliament is controlled by the Democratic Party, which has stressed the need of a decision. Senior member Kim Min-seok stated, “The nation and the people have reached a breaking point,” during a party meeting on Monday. Further postponement is reckless and not typical.

The Constitutional Court of South Korea has a track record of taking prompt action in situations involving impeachment. After final arguments, former President Park Geun-hye was removed from office in 2017 after barely 11 days.

Parliament accused Yoon of implementing martial law in violation of his constitutional duties, leading to his impeachment in December. According to the motion for his impeachment, his acts made him unsuitable for office and constituted a “severe threat to the rule of law.”

However, Yoon has defended his choice, stating that the proclamation of martial law was required to counter “anti-state” elements. He asserted that he had no plans to completely impose military authority.

People in Seoul are angry about the protracted uncertainty and have staged large-scale protests in response to the court’s decision delay. Many contend that the delay has hampered government operations and exacerbated political divisiveness.

Yoon faces a second criminal prosecution on rebellion charges, which carry the potential for life in prison or maybe the death penalty, in addition to impeachment. Senior military officials involved in the martial law proclamation have also been charged as a result of the crisis, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, whose trial starts on Monday.

The nation’s leadership is still in disarray in the meanwhile. Additionally impeached is Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who briefly held the position of acting president following Yoon’s suspension on December 14.
The government is now headed by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok.

The country is still on edge while the Constitutional Court considers its ruling, with both major parties bracing for possible unrest based on the result.