SEOUL — South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung stated on Friday (Dec 13) that impeaching President Yoon Suk-yeol is the most effective way to restore stability in the country. His remarks come a day before a parliamentary vote is scheduled over Yoon's brief implementation of martial law.

President Yoon's decision to impose military rule on Dec. 3 lasted less than six hours but triggered a constitutional crisis and widespread criticism, with calls for his resignation over alleged legal violations. On Thursday, Yoon vowed to "fight to the end," accusing the opposition of crippling the government and citing a North Korean cyberattack on the election commission as a factor in his party's significant loss in the April parliamentary election.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, described Yoon's comments as "a declaration of war" against the public, adding, "Impeachment is the fastest and most effective way to resolve this chaos." Last Saturday, Yoon survived an initial impeachment attempt when members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) largely boycotted the vote. However, some PPP lawmakers have since expressed support for impeachment.

With control of the single-chamber parliament, opposition parties have introduced a new impeachment bill and plan to vote on it Saturday. To succeed, they require the support of at least eight PPP members to achieve the two-thirds majority needed.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters