On December 14, 204 members of the South Korean Parliament supported the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Prime Minister will then take over as acting president, and Yoon will be immediately suspended from office.
Out of 300 legislators, the impeachment was approved with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, three abstentions, and eight invalid votes. After declaring the outcome of the vote, Speaker Woo Won-shik adjourned the meeting.
“To the people, we hope your year-end will be a little happier now, and that all your canceled celebrations will be restored,” Woo added. “The future of the Republic of Korea is in the hands of the people, and our hope remains strong. Thank you very much.”
However, this vote does not automatically mean Yoon will be permanently removed from office.
The impeachment procedure might take many weeks since a trial must be held before the Constitutional Court. Yoon will be ousted from office if the impeachment is upheld by six of the nine judges.
Once Yoon and the Constitutional Court get copies of the impeachment paperwork, Yoon’s presidential authority will be terminated. The court has 180 days to decide whether to remove Yoon or give him back his authority.
A nationwide election to select his successor must be held within 60 days of his removal.
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