Impeached South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol issued the bungled declaration on December 3 that led to his impeachment and has left him facing arrest, imprisonment or, at worst, the death penalty.
Here are key events from martial law to impeachment South Korea
On December 3, 2024 – Yoon declares on national television he is imposing martial law to root out anti state forces and overcome political deadlock. An hour later the military issues a decree banning activity by political parties and lawmakers.
On December 4, 2024 – Opposition parties submitted motion to impeach Yoon. Defying the military’s order, 190 lawmakers unanimously vote to reject Yoon’s declaration and troops begin to leave. Later, Yoon gives another television speech, announcing he is lifting the martial law.
On December 5, 2024 – Police investigate Yoon, Kim and the interior minister on accusations of treason and related crimes over the declaration of martial law after opposition parties and activists filed complaints. Yoon’s People power Party, although divided, decides to oppose his impeachment. Yoon accepts the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
December 6, 2024 – PPP leader Hang Dong-hoon says Yoon must be removed from power for trying to impose martial law. Some party members urges Yoon to resign.
December 7, 2024 – Yoon addresses the nation to apologise, saying he will put his fate in the hands of the PPP but not saying he will resign. A vote to impeach Yoon fails as the PPP boycotts, depriving parliament of a quorum.
December 8, 2024 – Prosecutors name Yoon as the subject of a criminal investigation over the martial law attempt. Ex-Defence Minister Kim got arrested.
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December 9, 2024 – The Justice ministry bars Yoon from leaving South Korea.
December 10, 2024 – Yoon;s office says it has no official position on who is running the country and questions over PPP discussions for a caretaker government. Ex-Defence minister Kim attempts suicide.
Kwak Jing-geun, commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, tells a parliamentary committee that Yoon gave an order to “drag out” lawmakers from parliament after declaring martial law.
December 11 ,2024 – Police try to search Yoon’s office but are blocked from entering the building.
December 12, 2024 – Yoon says in another television speech that he will fight till the end, alleging North Korea had hacked South Korea’s election commission and expressing doubt over his party’s landslide election defeat in April. The National Election Commission denies the claim.
December 13, 2024 – Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung calls on PPP members to join and vote yes for impeachment.
December 14, 2024 – Parliament impeaches Yoon with the support of 204 of the 300 lawmakers in the one-chamber parliament. At least 12 PPP members vote to impeach. Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended, and prime minister Han Duck-soo becomes acting president.
The Constitutional Court receives parliament’s impeachment declaration. It will have six months to decide whether to remove or reinstate him.
December 29, 2024 – Yoon Refuses summons to appear for questioning for the 3rd time, giving no explanation for his absence.
December 31, 2024 – South Korea’s anti-corruption agency says it is investigating whether Yoon’s declaration of martial law amounted to rebellion. Under country’s law, the leader of a rebellion can face the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. he has presidential immunity from most criminal prosecution, but the privileges does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
Seoul Western District Court issues warrant to detain Yoon and to search the presidential office and residence in Central Seoul.
January 2, 2025 – Yoon and his supporters resist arrest for a 3rd day after vowing to fight authorities seeking to question him over his failed martial law bid.