SEOUL, South Korea — The leader of South Korea’s opposition has raised concerns about President Yoon Suk Yeol’s mental state and expressed his intention to push for impeachment proceedings against him promptly. This response follows Yoon’s recent imposition of martial law, which has been characterized as controversial and indicative of potentially erratic decision-making on critical national issues.
Lee Jae-myung, head of the liberal Democratic Party, remarked in an interview that the concern lies more with Yoon’s mindset than with the actual imposition of martial law. He pointed out the risk that the president could undertake other incomprehensible actions related to security, defense, economy, and foreign policy. On Tuesday, Yoon’s martial law declaration lasted only six hours before it was unanimously overturned by the opposition-led parliament, which also lifted the decree before dawn on Wednesday. This swift retraction has sparked fears of escalating political unrest and has the potential to damage South Korea’s reputation internationally.
In his justifications for the martial law, Yoon highlighted a perceived threat from “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.” However, experts are puzzled by his decision to implement such measures, especially given the certainty that the National Assembly would reject them. Some analysts speculate that Yoon may have aimed to shift public focus away from a series of scandals involving both him and his wife.
Responding to Lee’s criticisms, the presidential office asserted that Yoon effectively manages state matters and is fulfilling his responsibilities. Since lifting the martial law, Yoon has refrained from making any public appearances, although his administration has announced a change in defense leadership, presumably due to the former minister’s recommendation to impose martial law.
Lee’s Democratic Party, alongside smaller opposition factions, aims to conduct a parliamentary vote on an impeachment proposal for Yoon. They characterize his actions as an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” For the impeachment motion to succeed, support from members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is essential to achieve the two-thirds majority necessary for passage. If the motion is approved, the Constitutional Court will then evaluate whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate his powers.
Polls indicate that Lee is favored to challenge Yoon in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, despite his ongoing legal battles concerning allegations of corruption and other issues. Earlier on the same day, Han Dong-hun, leader of the ruling PPP, acknowledged the urgency of suspending Yoon’s powers, citing the potential for “extreme actions” such as another attempt to declare martial law. However, Han’s party aims to block any impeachment efforts to avoid societal upheaval.
Lee has indicated that his party is actively engaging with PPP lawmakers to garner support for impeachment proceedings. He played down the implications of Han’s statements, suggesting they reflect personal views rather than the party’s official stance. Han represents a faction within the PPP that had previously voted against Yoon’s martial law initiative.
While Lee assessed that the prospects for the impeachment motion’s success are “fluid,” he warned that the ruling party would face dire consequences if it acted contrary to public opinion. Recent surveys revealed that over 70% of South Korean citizens back the impeachment, with Yoon’s approval ratings plummeting to a mere 16%, the lowest since he assumed office in May 2022.
Lee concluded that Yoon has effectively diminished his authority, hampering his ability to steer the country. He stressed the importance of utilizing every possible avenue to suspend Yoon’s presidency as swiftly as possible. Additionally, he mentioned that opposition parties could initiate another impeachment motion if their current attempt fails, asserting that building public support for impeachment could eventually compel the ruling party to align with that motion.