South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s party is vowing to oppose efforts to impeach him over his failed attempt to impose martial law, following the chaotic six-hour period that ended with the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The timing of the vote for impeachment was announced as Yoon accepted Kim’s resignation and named Choi Byung-hyuk as his successor. Kim took full responsibility for the martial law declaration but did not address if it was his idea. The National Office of Investigation ordered a travel ban for Kim amid insurrection charges. Yoon’s office defended the declaration as necessary due to an impasse with opposition lawmakers. Lifting the order drew public shock and anger, sparking protests and calls for Yoon’s resignation. The main opposition Democratic Party announced a vote on impeachment on Saturday, with 191 lawmakers submitting articles of impeachment. The motion requires a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly. Opposition lawmakers have united against Yoon despite political divisions, showing the strength of South Korean democracy. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Yoon’s decision to declare martial law was a “deeply illegitimate process” and the Biden administration did not have prior knowledge of the announcement. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of the impeachment process proceeding peacefully and according to the constitution and the rule of law.
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