For Seoul's Soul

A vibrant democracy thwarted a bid to impose military rule. Now, a court ruling holds the key

- Seema Guha

THE politics that unfolded in South Korea this month was no less dramatic than a K-drama. A botched-up attempt to impose military rule by President Yoon Suk Yeol eventually led to his impeachment last week. After days of political uncertainty, the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach Yoon, with 204 lawmakers voting in favour, 85 against, three abstentions and eight invalid votes. Yoon has been stripped of all presidential powers till a Constitutional Court pronounces its verdict on whether the president was guilty of insurrection and defying the Constitution. The presidential duties have been taken over by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, though he is also under investigation for his role to get military backing for the president. According to the Korean Constitution, the PM takes on the role of acting president while the case is being heard.

The fast-paced drama began on the midnight of December 3-4, when President Yoon announced his decision to impose military rule on fears of “shameless attempts” by pro-North Korean elements (read the opposition) to destabilise the country. The president hoped that the reference to a North Korean hand would frighten the nation, hoping especially that his die-hard ultra Conservative supporters ideologically opposed to Communism, would support him. However, that did not happen, as the president was unable to back his argument with credible evidence.

Following the president's announcement, lawmakers present in Seoul rushed to the National Assembly to veto the bid. They were able to vote decisively against the president's move. President Yoon had no option but to rescind the order within four hours. And finally, after a first unsuccessful attempt, the National Assembly approved an impeachment motion against President Yoon on December 14.