South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has called on the Constitutional Court to expedite its decision on impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, arguing that formalising his removal is necessary to ease the suffering of the people and restore stability.
The impeachment, passed by lawmakers on Saturday, followed Yoon’s controversial martial law decree, which temporarily suspended civilian rule and plunged the nation into political turmoil. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is serving as acting president while the court deliberates, with a decision required within 180 days.
Lee stressed the importance of uncovering the truth behind the failed martial law bid, which saw special forces deployed to parliament, leading to a dramatic standoff. “To hold those responsible for this absurd situation accountable and to prevent its recurrence, it is essential to uncover the truth and demand accountability,” Lee said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, investigations into Yoon’s inner circle are ongoing. Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant for Kwak Jong-keun, head of the Army Special Warfare Command, for allegedly sending troops to parliament. On Saturday, Yeo In-hyung, chief of the Defence Counterintelligence Command, was arrested on charges including insurrection.
Amid the upheaval, acting President Han has sought to project stability. On Sunday, he held talks with US President Joe Biden, who reaffirmed the strength of the US-South Korea alliance and praised South Korea’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Han has also ordered heightened military vigilance against North Korea, which has yet to comment on the crisis.
Seoul remains divided, with massive protests both for and against Yoon continuing. On Saturday, police estimated 200,000 gathered outside parliament in support of his impeachment, while his defenders vowed to keep rallying until the court delivers its verdict.
