[An image of Cupertino citizens protesting for impeaching South Korea’s President. Photo credit: Sojin Kim]

South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol caused a constitutional crisis when he declared martial law at 10:28 PM on December 3rd, 2024. 

Under martial law, a nation’s military commander assumes unlimited authority to create and enforce laws, effectively suspending civilian governance.

This extraordinary measure typically results in the military obtaining expanded powers, while citizens’ rights may be temporarily suspended.

According to South Korea’s constitution’s Article 77, a presidential declaration of martial law can be overturned if a majority of the National Assembly votes to terminate it. 

In an emergency session, 190 representatives unanimously voted to cancel the act at 1:01 AM, December 4th, making it legally binding for Yoon to rescind the declaration.

The president maintained radio silence and avoided all public appearances for three days following the vote.

On December 7th, Yoon finally made a public apology to South Korean citizens affected by his actions.

During his statement, he expressed deep regret and pledged not to take similar actions during his remaining term.

Two days later, the Ministry of Justice imposed an overseas travel ban on Yoon, citing concerns about potential flight risk. 

On December 11th, South Korean police attempted to execute a search warrant at Yoon’s residence to investigate the motives behind the martial law declaration, but were blocked by presidential security forces.

Support for impeachment quickly gained momentum among citizens, politicians, and celebrities.

An initial impeachment vote on December 7th failed when only 195 lawmakers attended the session, falling short of the required 200-member quorum.

This outcome was attributed to an orchestrated boycott by members of Yoon’s party attempting to protect their leader. 

However, a second impeachment vote succeeded on December 14th, with 204 members voting in favor.

This action immediately suspended Yoon’s presidential powers, pending final review by the Constitutional Court of South Korea.

Since then, Yoon has twice refused summons from the Corruption Investigation Office for High - ranking Officials, failing to appear for questioning on both December 18th and 25th.

Public demonstrations demanding Yoon’s formal removal from office continue nationwide.

Protesters of all ages have gathered in Yongsan, many carrying K-pop lightsticks, posters, and flags.

The movement has spread internationally, with South Korean citizens organizing protests in Cupertino, California, beginning December 6th.

Both domestic and international demonstrations featured speeches, songs, and chants calling for Yoon’s impeachment. 

The Constitutional Court’s final decision regarding Yoon’s impeachment remains pending as investigations continue.