On December 14, South Korea’s National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol, with 204 out of 300 lawmakers supporting the motion. This marked the second impeachment vote against Yoon, following his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, which sparked widespread political unrest. The impeachment vote took place at 4:00 PM local time (2:00 PM Thailand time).
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the results, expressing hope that the decision would allow citizens to end the year on a more positive note. Woo stated, “The future of South Korea and our hopes rest firmly in the hands of the people.” The motion passed with 204 votes in favor, 85 against, 3 abstentions, and 8 invalid ballots.
Following the announcement, members of the opposition Democratic Party celebrated openly, while lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) quietly exited the chamber. Outside the National Assembly, pro-impeachment protesters cheered the decision, while President Yoon’s supporters, gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, fell silent upon hearing the news. The impeachment intensifies the political crisis, leaving South Korea's immediate future uncertain.