Yoon, whose ruling People Power Party turned against him, is now suspended until the Constitutional Court determines his fate. The court, tasked with confirming the impeachment, has up to six months to finalize its ruling.
Yoon sparked outrage earlier this month by briefly declaring martial law and deploying troops to block lawmakers from convening. Parliament ultimately overturned his decree, with members of his own party later supporting the impeachment vote.
Saturday’s parliamentary vote, passed by 204 lawmakers with 85 opposing, brought celebrations among protesters gathered outside the National Assembly. Thousands cheered and chanted slogans, describing the impeachment as a win for democracy.
“He tried to have a war against the citizens, so this is just what he deserved,” one protester, Lim Dong Eon, said. Another celebrant simply declared, “Democracy is back!”
Yoon, addressing the public after the vote, vowed not to give up despite his suspension. “I will stop temporarily, but the journey I’ve walked with the people these past two years should not stop,” he said.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, now serving as acting president under South Korean law, promised stability during this transitional period. “I will devote all my strength and effort to stable governance and operation of state affairs,” Han told reporters.
Yoon’s brief martial law declaration on December 3 shocked the country, prompting widespread protests and calls for his resignation. Opposition parties first attempted to impeach Yoon last week but failed due to a party boycott.
In a defiant speech Thursday, Yoon defended his actions, accusing the opposition of undermining national interests and vowing to fight on. His rhetoric further alienated his party, whose leader withdrew support and instructed members to vote their conscience.
Protests in Seoul intensified ahead of the vote, drawing both anti-Yoon activists and supporters of the embattled president. Pro-Yoon demonstrators carried South Korean and U.S. flags, urging lawmakers to back the president despite growing controversy.
The Constitutional Court announced Saturday that it will handle the case swiftly and fairly, beginning with a meeting Monday to discuss the schedule.
South Koreans now wait for the court’s decision, which will determine whether Yoon’s impeachment becomes permanent. As the process unfolds, the political crisis has underscored the resilience of South Korea’s democratic systems in navigating turmoil.
