SANGMIN SONG

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, at 10:27 p.m. Korean Standard Time, marking the first martial law since the country’s democratization. Yoon cited the need to protect the nation from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state forces,” and to “rebuild and protect” South Korea from “falling into ruin.”

The declaration sparked immediate controversy and opposition from both political parties and the citizens. At 1:02 a.m, a few hours after the declaration, 190 legislators who had managed themselves at the National Assembly, voted unanimously to lift the martial law.

The rapid sequence of events triggered a chain reaction of political turmoil, protests and legal challenges that would reshape South Korea’s political landscape.

Here’s what has happened since Dec. 3, and what is planned to happen in South Korea.

Dec. 7, 2024 — First impeachment vote falls short

The first impeachment vote against President Yoon failed on Dec. 7, due to a lack of quorum. Members of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the proceeding, preventing the house from securing the two-thirds majority required to pass the motion. While the PPP’s boycott strategy temporarily shielded Yoon from impeachment, the opposing Democratic party said they will prepare for a new impeachment motion.

“We’ll surely impeach Yoon, who is the greatest risk to the Republic of Korea,” Democratic party leader Lee Jae-myung said, according to AP News. “We’ll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year’s end.”

Dec. 14, 2024 — South Korean parliament impeaches President Yoon

South Korea’s National Assembly impeached President Yoon with a 204-85 vote. The second impeachment vote succeeded after some members of the PPP joined the opposition, responding to the public outcry. The impeachment immediately suspended Yoon’s presidential powers, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming acting presidential duties.

National Assembly speaker Woo Won-Shik said Yoon’s impeachment was an outcome driven by “the people’s ardent desire for democracy, courage and dedication,” according to AP News.

Dec. 27, 2024 — Parliament impeaches acting President Han

South Korea’s National Assembly voted 192-0 to impeach acting President Han, deepening the political crisis of the nation. Han’s powers were suspended, and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok automatically took over leadership. 

Han was impeached primarily due to his refusal to appoint three vacant justice positions to the Constitutional Court. Han insisted on waiting for a bi-partisan agreement on appointing justices, yet the Democratic-controlled National Assembly voted to impeach him.

Jan. 19, 2025 — President Yoon gets arrested

President Yoon was formally arrested after being apprehended at his presidential compound. The Seoul Western District Court granted an arrest warrant due to concerns about evidence destruction. He will be detained for up to 20 days before the case is transferred to prosecutors. 

At this point, nine people, including Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and several top military commanders, have already been arrested and indicted for their roles in the enforcement of martial law, as CBSNews stated.

Jan. 26, 2025 — President Yoon becomes first to be indicted while in office

South Korean prosecutors indicted President Yoon on rebellion charges related to his martial law declaration. The charges are from Yoon’s six-hour martial law imposition, during which he deployed troops to the National Assembly. Yoon maintained that his actions were legitimate, while some military commanders testified that he ordered forceful removal of lawmakers. Yoon will remain in custody during his trial, expected to last about six months.

“Today’s indictment of the president will remain as a shame in the history of South Korean prosecutors that they cannot erase,” Yoon’s defense team said in a statement. “We stress once again that a president’s declaration of martial law can never be rebellion.”

Feb. 20, 2025 — 10th hearing of Yoon’s impeachment

The Constitutional Court of South Korea held its 10th hearing in the impeachment trial of President Yoon. Throughout the ten hearings, the court has examined the constitutionality of Yoon’s martial law declaration, allegations of insurrection and the events on Dec. 3.

Prime Minister Han criticized the opposition’s frequent use of impeachment motions but refrained from commenting on the legality of the martial law. Former National Intelligence Service deputy director Hong Jang-won addressed the controversial “arrest list” during the hearing.

What will happen now?

South Korea’s Constitutional Court will hear final arguments in President Yoon’s impeachment trial on Feb. 25. The court’s eight justices will then evaluate on whether to uphold or dismiss the impeachment. According to The Korea Herald, legal experts anticipate a verdict by mid-March, considering the case’s complexity.

What are South Koreans going to face?

The ongoing political crisis in South Korea has divided public sentiment, with tensions running high between supporters and opponents of President Yoon. As South Koreans navigate the complex political turmoil, they face challenges in maintaining economic stability and social cohesion.