South Korean lawmakers approved a motion on Tuesday to appoint a special counsel to investigate President Yoon Suk Yeol. This comes after Yoon declared martial law and then withdrew it a week ago, sparking allegations of insurrection. The investigation adds to the growing pressure on the embattled president.
In a plenary session, 210 out of 300 lawmakers in the National Assembly voted in favor of the motion. The overwhelming support highlights broad concern over Yoon’s actions and the need for accountability.
Notably, the vote included at least 18 members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party. Their support points to divisions within the party, as some members appear uneasy with the president’s recent decisions.
The remaining votes came from 192 opposition and independent lawmakers, who unanimously backed the motion. Their united stance reflects an effort to hold Yoon accountable and maintain democratic principles amid the controversy.
The investigation will focus on the legality of Yoon’s martial law declaration and its potential threat to democracy. The outcome is expected to have significant political and institutional implications for South Korea.
