Lee Jae-myung demands President Yoon's resignation now

In South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol caused national outrage when he declared martial law on December 3, 2024. This action marked the first imposition of martial law in the country since the late 1980s and allowed military intervention in civilian political affairs. Yoon's decree triggered widespread protests as citizens rallied against what they viewed as an unconstitutional power grab. Thousands of South Koreans poured into the streets, expressing their anger and calling for Yoon’s ouster in a dramatic display of civil dissent. In response to the mounting pressure, the National Assembly quickly convened. Yoon's martial law lasted only six hours after lawmakers successfully voted to revoke it. The swift parliamentary action demonstrated the resolve of the opposition parties, which held a majority in the assembly. The opposition, particularly the Democratic Party led by Lee Jae-myung, swiftly condemned the martial law declaration as an insurrection. Following the revocation of this decree, the Democratic Party filed an impeachment motion against Yoon, asserting that his actions amounted to a self-coup and violated constitutional norms. The impeachment motion provided a platform for the opposition to rally public support against Yoon, amplifying demands for his resignation. With the opposition gaining momentum, Yoon's approval ratings plummeted, reaching alarming lows as public trust eroded amidst the political crisis. Additionally, Yoon’s own party, the People Power Party, initially supported him but soon faced internal dissent. Significant figures within the PPP criticized Yoon's actions and called for his resignation, indicating a shift in political dynamics. The ruling party members feared that Yoon's refusal to acknowledge the illegality of his martial law declaration would further destabilize governance. Elections held for members of parliament further complicated the matter, and the demand for a second impeachment vote gained traction. As protests escalated and public sentiment turned heavily against him, Yoon attempted to defend his actions by citing threats from North Korea and labeling his political opponents as 'anti-state forces.' However, this defense did little to assuage concerns over his leadership. With a growing number of PPP lawmakers signaling a possible shift toward supporting impeachment, the opposition's call for timely action gained urgency. The combined pressure from civil society and political contenders laid the groundwork for an uncertain political future as Yoon faced the likelihood of being stripped of the presidency if the impeachment vote progressed successfully.