South Korean Parliament Votes to Impeach President Yoon

South Korea’s Members of Parliament have voted to impeach President Yoon, with 204 out of 300 lawmakers in favor, 85 against, three abstentions, and eight invalid votes.

Speaker Woo Won-shik confirmed the impeachment vote had passed and ended the session, offering a message to the public:

“To the people, we hope your end of the year is a little happier now, and all your canceled year-end celebrations will be restored,” Woo said. “The future of the Republic of Korea and our hope lies in the hands of the people, and our hope is strong. Thank you very much.”

Following the announcement, members of the Democratic Party celebrated, while members of the ruling party quietly left the chamber. Some ruling party lawmakers were seen praying during the vote count.

All 300 lawmakers participated, with 204 voting in favor, 85 against, three abstentions, and four invalid votes.

In Seoul, the capital, citizens took to the streets to celebrate the impeachment, which stems from Yoon’s recent declaration of martial law.

Yoon will be suspended from office, and the prime minister will serve as acting president. The constitutional court now has six months to rule on the impeachment.

Yoon had survived a previous impeachment vote last weekend, holding onto power despite widespread calls for his resignation. He and his allies are under investigation for insurrection charges, and all have been banned from traveling.