The impeachment motion against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol initiated by six opposition parties including the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), failed to proceed on December 7 during a plenary session of the National Assembly. With only 195 lawmakers present, the vote fell short of the required quorum of 200, resulting in the motion's automatic dismissal.
During the session, DPK lawmakers publicly called out the names of absent People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers who left the chamber after participating in a revote on the "Kim Keon Hee Special Prosecutor Act." Only three PPP lawmakers—Ahn Cheol Soo, Kim Ye Ji, and Kim Sang Wook—remained to cast their votes on the impeachment motion.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared the motion invalid, stating, "The impeachment vote on President Yoon Suk Yeol has not been established due to a lack of quorum. Today’s session has been closely watched by the people of Korea and the international community. Regrettably, we could not even conduct a vote on such a critical national matter."
Emphasizing the importance of procedural democracy, Speaker Woo added, "Democracy values not only the content but also the process. The failure to hold a vote reflects our inability to fulfill democratic procedures on a matter of national significance. On behalf of the National Assembly, I extend my sincere apologies to the public."
Despite this setback, the Democratic Party announced plans to reintroduce the impeachment motion. Following the conclusion of the regular parliamentary session on December 10, the opposition intends to propose the motion again during an extraordinary session starting December 11.
Public Demonstrations Highlight Growing Divide
While the National Assembly deliberated, mass protests took place outside the parliamentary complex. The "National Candlelight March for Yoon’s Resignation" called for President Yoon’s impeachment, with organizers estimating 1 million participants, though unofficial police figures put the crowd at approximately 160,000.
Emotions ran high as news of the vote’s invalidation spread. Protesters expressed frustration and disappointment, with some shedding tears over the stalled impeachment process.
Meanwhile, a counter-protest in support of President Yoon was held near Gwanghwamun Square, reflecting the polarized views within Korean society.
The political impasse and large-scale protests underscore the mounting tensions surrounding President Yoon’s administration, with both sides remaining steadfast in their opposing positions.
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