South Korean opposition moves impeachment motion against president in parliament

By Anadolu staff

South Korean opposition parties introduced a bill Thursday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his failed attempt to impose martial law, according to local media.

Some 191 lawmakers of the 300-member parliament submitted the motion on Wednesday, The Korea Herald reported.

The main Democratic Party said it is seeking passage of the bill between Friday and Saturday. Impeachment bills need to be put to a vote within 72 hours of their submission to the plenary meeting.

The impeachment motion was signed by lawmakers from six opposition parties, with no lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) participating.

A two-thirds majority is required to pass the motion, which would need support from at least eight lawmakers of the PPP.

In a late-night live televised address Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law but was forced to lift it just hours later after lawmakers unanimously voted to block the order amid nationwide protests.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid