South Korea's parliament voted Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, nearly two weeks after his attempt to impose martial law.
A second motion submitted by South Korea's largest opposition party received a two-thirds majority. Their first move failed a week ago after members of Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) blocked proceedings, leaving the National Assembly without a quorum.
Of the 300 lawmakers, 204 voted to launch impeachment proceedings.
Prime Minister Han Duck Soo is to assume the duties of president until the Constitutional Court makes the final decision on whether to confirm Yoon's impeachment or declare it unconstitutional.
In an initial response, Han promised to do everything in his power to ensure the orderly continuation of state business. His first instruction was that the army would increase security measures.
Responding to the impeachment vote, Yoon said he would listen to all the criticism, encouragement and support he received.
“I will do my best for the country until the end,” he said, speaking from the president's official residence.
Park Chan Dae, parliamentary leader of the opposition Democratic Party (DP), described the vote as “a victory for the people and for democracy.”
The opposition has accused Yoon of violating the constitution after his unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3.
This move shocked the nation but was canceled a few hours later after a huge public outcry.
Despite the freezing temperatures, around 200,000 demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building on Saturday to support Yoon's ouster.
Police estimate that another 30,000 of his supporters gathered in the center of the capital, Seoul.
During the first impeachment vote on December 7, Yoon benefited from a change of heart from PPP leader Han Dong Hoon, who initially said he would support the impeachment but later withdrew it.
But on Thursday, Han openly announced his support for extraditing Yoon, who has been strongly opposed in defending his martial law declaration.
Yoon, in a televised speech on Thursday, described his political opponents as “anti-state forces”.
The Constitutional Court now has a maximum of 180 days to make a final decision on Yoon's impeachment.
Analysts see Yoon's unexpected move as an act of desperation in the face of longstanding corruption allegations targeting his wife. The president's approval ratings among voters have fallen.
Furthermore, his PPP, which does not have a majority in the National Assembly, could not pass his legislation. The heated dispute is currently focused on the budget for next year.
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