South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, has plunged the country into a severe political crisis. The move, which lasted only six hours before being overturned by parliament, led to his impeachment on December 14, 2024, and subsequent arrest on January 15, 2025.
The crisis began when Yoon, citing threats from 'anti-state forces,' deployed military troops to the National Assembly. Lawmakers, including opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, rushed to vote down the decree, with 190 out of 300 members present unanimously rejecting it. The military withdrew, and Yoon rescinded the order early on December 4.
Yoon's impeachment trial concluded on April 4, 2025, when the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld his removal from office. He now faces criminal charges of insurrection, with a trial ongoing as of June 2026. The opposition Democratic Party, led by Lee Jae-myung, has called for a snap presidential election, which is expected within 60 days of Yoon's final removal.
The crisis has exposed deep political divisions in South Korea, with polls showing over 70% of the public supporting Yoon's impeachment. International allies, including the United States, have expressed concern but urged a peaceful resolution through democratic processes.
