SEOUL (Reuters) – The impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday, suspending his official duties, ended an 11-day political crisis that has rocked his country, sparked by a surprise decision to impose martial law.
Here are the main events from martial law to impeachment:
– Dec. 3: Shortly before 10:30 pm (1330 GMT), Yun announced on national television that he was imposing martial law to eliminate “anti-state forces” and break political deadlocks.
An hour later, the military issues a decree banning the activities of political parties and MPs, while troops and police enter the opposition-controlled parliament. Workers use barricades and fire extinguishers to prevent special operations soldiers who descend by helicopter and break windows as they enter the parliament.
MPs erect fences to prevent security cordons and protesters gather.
– Dec. 4: Defying orders from the military, 190 MPs unanimously support Yun’s announcement in the early hours, and the troops begin to leave.
About three and a half hours later, Yun makes another televised speech announcing that he will lift martial law. The ordinance was in effect for about six hours.
The opposition parties submitted a petition for the impeachment of Ioni.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Yun had “misjudged” his decision to declare martial law, which was “deeply problematic” and “illegitimate”.
– Dec. 5: Yun’s People’s Power Party, though divided, has decided to oppose his impeachment.
Yun accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Police are investigating Yun, Kim and the interior minister for treason and related crimes over the declaration of martial law after opposition parties and activists filed complaints.
– Dec. 6: PPP leader Han Dong-hoon says Yoon should be removed from power for trying to impose martial law. Some party members are calling for Yun to resign.
– Dec. 7: Yoon apologizes to the nation and says he will leave his fate in the hands of the PPP, but does not say he will resign.
Yun’s impeachment vote fails as the PPP boycotts, depriving parliament of a quorum.
– Dec. 8: Prosecutors name Yoon as the subject of a criminal investigation for attempted martial law. Former Defense Minister Kim is detained.
– Dec. 9: Ministry of Justice bans Yoon from leaving South Korea.
– Dec. 10: Kwak Jong-geun, commander of the army’s Special Warfare Command, tells a parliamentary committee that Yoon ordered lawmakers to be “pulled out” of parliament after martial law was declared.
Yun’s office has said he has no “official position” on who will rule the country, amid questions the PPP’s discussions are about the caretaker government.
Former Defense Minister Kim tried to commit suicide.
– Dec. 11: The police try to search Yoon’s office, but are denied entry.
– Dec. 12: Yoon says in another televised speech that he will “fight to the end”, claims North Korea hacked South Korea’s election commission and cast doubt on his party’s April election defeat. The National Election Commission denies the accusation.
Seven PPP members say they intend to vote for impeachment, one short of the required number to approve the motion.
– Dec. 13: Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung calls on PPP members to “unite and vote for impeachment.”
– Dec. 14: Parliament impeaches Yun with the support of 204 of the 300 members of the unicameral parliament. At least 12 PPP members voted for impeachment.
Yun’s presidency is suspended and Prime Minister Han Dak-soo becomes acting president.
The Constitutional Court accepts the impeachment declaration of the Parliament. He will have six months to decide whether to release or reinstate him.