South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol appears likely to avoid impeachment after members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted a parliamentary vote on Saturday.
The move has left the opposition unable to secure the numbers required to pass the motion.
The impeachment effort follows President Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law earlier in the week, which sparked national outrage.
Yoon, 63, had claimed the measure was necessary to counter alleged “anti-state activities” by the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority. However, the order was rescinded just six hours later after lawmakers stormed the National Assembly to overturn it.
On Saturday, opposition lawmakers remained in the chamber, hoping to pressure more PPP members to join their cause. While the impeachment motion requires at least eight ruling party votes, only three PPP lawmakers were seen in the chamber during the session.
One later stated he had voted against impeachment, further dashing the opposition’s hopes. Without the required quorum of 200 lawmakers, the vote cannot proceed, leaving the impeachment bid effectively stalled until Wednesday, December 11.
Earlier in the day, President Yoon issued a public apology, acknowledging the widespread anxiety and anger caused by his actions.
“This emergency martial law declaration stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs,” Yoon said in a brief address.
“I am deeply sorry and sincerely apologise to the citizens who must have been greatly shocked,” Yoon said.
He also vowed to accept any legal or political consequences, stating, “I will not avoid responsibility related to this martial law declaration.”
The declaration of martial law, albeit brief, has drawn sharp criticism in a country still haunted by the memories of military dictatorship.
Protesters and opposition figures have called for Yoon’s immediate removal, and divisions within his own party have grown.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the PPP, described Yoon’s resignation as “inevitable” and warned that his continued leadership posed “grave danger” to the nation.
Even if Yoon survives the impeachment attempt, his political future remains in jeopardy as public trust erodes and calls for his resignation intensify.
