Opposition party calls for Yoon to resign after South Korean president declares martial law

 

South Korean lawmakers watch screens showing a news broadcast of President Yoon Suk Yeol's speech on lifting martial law, at the main conference hall of the National Assembly in Seoul, early on Dec. 4, 2024.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA —

South Korean opposition lawmakers submitted a motion Wednesday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, hours after the president briefly imposed martial law in an unanticipated move that rattled the nation.

The Democratic Party said in a statement that Yoon’s move was a “grave violation” of the country’s constitution.

“It was a grave act of rebellion and provides perfect grounds for his impeachment,” the statement said.

The Democratic Party had called on Yoon to resign, saying that if he did not, then the party would “immediately initiate impeachment proceedings in line with the will of the people.”

Yoon’s office said Wednesday that senior presidential advisers and secretaries offered to resign.

People try to enter as police officers stand guard in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 3, 2024.

South Korea is one of the United States\’ most important allies, and hosts about 28,000 U.S. troops.

On Tuesday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said he was watching the developments with "grave concern" and said he was working to engage his South Korean counterparts.

South Korean martial law soldiers try to enter the National Assembly compound in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 4, 2024.

A White House spokesperson said the United States had not been notified of Yoon\’s move in advance.

Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said he hopes "any dispute will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law." The vote at the National Assembly, he said, "will be consistent with that approach."

Some information for this report was provided by from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters

 

By：VOA