South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his short-lived attempt to impose martial law in the country.
Authorities have been investigating allegations of rebellion over his controversial December 3 martial law decree that has caused huge political turmoil in the country.
Last Saturday, Yoon survived an impeachment vote after most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a floor vote – but there was no reprieve this time.
Tens of thousands of people have braved the bitter cold and poured onto the streets of the capital, Seoul, every night for the past two weeks, calling for Yoon’s impeachment and arrest. They shouted slogans, sang, danced and waved K-pop light sticks.
Smaller groups of Yoon’s conservative supporters – still in the thousands – have also been rallying in Seoul, denouncing attempts to impeach the president. Both rallies have largely been peaceful.
Hong Gayeong, a 29-year-old protester, speaking last night, said: “Many people are using idol light sticks even though they are expensive. I think it’s become a really great culture because people are bringing their most precious and brightest possessions to express their will and opinions.”
Yoon’s martial law imposition, the first of its kind in more than four decades in South Korea, lasted only six hours, but has caused massive political upheaval, halted diplomatic activities and rattled financial markets.
Yoon was forced to lift his decree after parliament unanimously voted to overturn it.
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