South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s party is opposing efforts to impeach him over his failed attempt to impose martial law. Yoon accepted the resignation of his defense minister, who played a key role in the martial law declaration. The former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, stated that all responsibility lay with him. Yoon’s office defended the martial law declaration as necessary due to an impasse with opposition lawmakers. The declaration was rescinded after protests and political pressure. Yoon has faced public anger and calls for his resignation. The main opposition party announced a vote on the impeachment motion scheduled for Saturday, with Yoon’s party expected to oppose the decision. The motion needs a two-thirds majority to pass. If the motion passes, the Constitutional Court would hold a trial to confirm the impeachment within 180 days. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over Yoon’s decision to declare martial law, calling for the process to follow the rule of law. The strength of South Korean democracy was highlighted by the unified opposition to the martial law declaration. Amidst the controversy, Yoon’s powers may be temporarily handed to the Prime Minister if the impeachment is confirmed. The situation remains tense as political developments play out in South Korea.
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