South Korea’s parliament voted today to impeach the country’s President Yoon Seok-gil, following the Dec. 3 fiasco when he tried to declare martial law, a measure he was forced to withdraw six hours later.

Out of 300 MPs, 204 voted in favor of Yun’s impeachment and 85 voted against the motion. Three MPs were absent and eight ballots were invalid, according to the result announced by the president of the body.

Tens of thousands of protesters who had gathered outside the National Assembly in anticipation of the vote erupted in cheers when the result was announced, according to AFP reporters who were there.

The result of the vote was welcomed by the opposition. “Today’s ouster is a great victory for the people and democracy”said Park Chan-dae, head of the Democratic Party’s caucus.

Yun’s duties are now suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether or not to uphold his removal. That’s why it will take 180 days. In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo will serve as interim president.

If the Constitutional Court upholds his impeachment, Yoon will be the second president in South Korean history to have that fate, after Park Geun-hye in 2017. However, there is also the case of the ouster of Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 , which was supported by the parliament but which was then annulled two months later by the Constitutional Court. If Yun’s impeachment is upheld or he decides to resign, then a presidential election would have to be held within 60 days.

Until the Constitutional Court’s decision, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo will act as interim president. He told reporters today, after the result of the vote was announced, that he will make the maximum effort to ensure the stable governance of the country.

Khan says he will do his best to run the government firmly

Han said after the vote that he would do his best to run the government firmly after President Yun was impeached.

“My heart is very heavy,” Khan added

Dramatic decline

It is a remarkable fall for Yoon, a prosecutor who came to power in 2022 after winning the closest presidential race in South Korean history. Yun was seen in Washington as a key ally and defender of democracy, but at home, the situation is different.

Yun has stepped up his attacks on the press and vowed to abolish the Gender Ministry, which his critics say would set back efforts to close one of the world’s worst gender gaps. His ability to pass laws has been significantly weakened after the opposition’s landslide victory in April’s parliamentary elections.

Yun has vowed to fight to the end, denying any wrongdoing. “Whether they prosecute me or investigate me, I will face them with confidence”Yun said in a televised national address on Thursday.

Yun: I will do my best until the last moment for the country

“I will do my best until the last moment for the country”South Korean President Yoon Seok-gil said shortly after parliament voted to impeach him today.

“I am disappointed that all the efforts I have made so far will be in vain”Yun said.

He urged the people to support the acting president, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo. Yun also asked politicians to improve the political culture, the system beyond confrontation. “I ask all public officials to do their best to preserve public safety and welfare.”

Ruling Party Leader Han Dong-hun Takes Vote Result Seriously

South Korea’s ruling party leader Han Dong-hun said he is taking the outcome of today’s parliamentary vote to oust President Yoon Seok-gil seriously.

Despite calls from some party lawmakers for his resignation, Khan said he would continue in his duties.