SEOUL: South Korean MPs have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol after thwarting his shock move to impose martial law .
The president had said martial law was needed to protect the country from “North Korea’s communist forces” and to “eliminate anti-state elements”.
Though he cited North Korea, President Yoon’s decision was seen as a response to domestic pressure and a series of scandals.
Less than two hours after his declaration, MPs forced their way into the National Assembly and voted to block his decision – some broke through barricades; one MP told the BBC protesters helped him climb over a wall.
After the assembly vote, President Yoon announced he was reversing his martial law decision MPs will now vote on his impeachment in the coming days – if they approve it, Yoon will face trial at a constitutional court.
Yoon’s defence minister Kim Yong-hyun – said to be influential in the president’s martial law plan – offered his resignation on Wednesday
