South Korean Parliament Sets the Stage for Presidential Impeachment and Investigates the First Lady

The South Korean National Assembly is poised today to vote on a bill authorizing a special inquiry into First Lady Kim Keon-hee, alongside a vote on the proposal to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol. This move comes amid opposition accusations that the president briefly imposed martial law to hinder investigations into alleged securities fraud and the First Lady’s role in parliamentary nominations. Although the president has vetoed similar initiatives three times, the opposition seeks to clear this hurdle by securing 200 out of 300 votes. Achieving such a majority would mark a historic juncture, as passing the impeachment resolution and subsequently having it reviewed by the Constitutional Court could make Yoon the second president in South Korean history to be removed from office, following former President Park Geun-hye.

Meanwhile, the South Korean public watches anxiously, as a successful impeachment could reshape the nation’s political landscape, including the potential amendment of the constitution to shorten presidential terms. For his part, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling party, has expressed certainty that the president’s resignation is now only a matter of time, placing the party under pressure to make decisive choices that preserve political and economic stability. Until a final verdict is reached, the country’s future hangs in the balance—dependent on the parliamentary vote and the Constitutional Court’s decision—in an atmosphere of uncertainty, tension, and doubt.

**Source : Yonhap / DPA**