SEOUL (Reuters) – The impeachment of South Korean President Yeon Suk-yul on Saturday and his suspension from his official duties came at the end of 11 days of political crisis that engulfed his country, sparked by his sudden decision to impose martial law.
Here are the major events from martial law to impeachment:
-December. 3: Just before 10:30 p.m. (1330 GMT), Yoon announced on national television that he was imposing martial law to eliminate “anti-state forces” and overcome political deadlock.
An hour later, the army issued a decree banning the activity of political parties and lawmakers, and troops and police entered the opposition-controlled parliament. Staff use barricades and fire extinguishers to keep out special operations soldiers who arrive by helicopter and smash windows as they enter Parliament.
Lawmakers jump fences to avoid security cordons and gathering crowds of protesters.
-December. 4: Defying the army's order, 190 lawmakers in the first hours voted unanimously to reject Yoon's declaration and the troops began to leave.
About three and a half hours later, Yoon gave another televised speech, announcing the lifting of martial law. The decree was in effect for approximately six hours.
Opposition parties submit motion to impeach Yoon.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said Yoon “severely misjudged” his decision to declare martial law, which was “deeply problematic” and “illegitimate.”
-December. January 5: Yoon's People Power Party, although divided, decides to oppose his impeachment.
Yoon accepts the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Young-hyun. Police are investigating Yoon, Kim and the Interior Minister for treason and related crimes over the declaration of martial law after opposition parties and activists filed complaints.
-December. June 6: Pakistan People's Party leader Han Dong-hun says Yoon should be removed from power for trying to impose martial law. Some party members are urging Yoon to resign.
-December. 7: Yoon addresses the nation to apologize, saying he would put his fate in the hands of the PPP but did not say he would resign.
The vote to impeach Yoon failed due to a boycott by the Pakistan People's Party, depriving Parliament of a quorum.
-December. August 8: Prosecutors name Yoon as the subject of a criminal investigation into attempted martial law. Former Defense Minister Kim arrested.
-December. 9: The Ministry of Justice prevents Yoon from leaving South Korea.
-December. October 10: Kwak Jung-geun, commander of the Army's Special Warfare Command, tells a parliamentary committee that Yoon issued an order to “recall” lawmakers from parliament after declaring martial law.
Yoon's office says it has “no official position” on who runs the country amid questions over the Pakistan People's Party's discussions to form a transitional government.
Former Defense Minister Kim attempts suicide.
-December. 11: The police try to search Yoon's office but are prevented from entering the building.
-December. February 12: Yoon said in another televised speech that he would “fight to the end,” claiming that North Korea had hacked South Korea's election commission, and expressed doubts about his party's crushing election defeat in April. The National Elections Commission denies this allegation.
Seven members of the Pakistan People's Party announced their intention to support impeachment, one short of the number needed to pass the motion.
-December. 13: Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung calls on members of the Pakistan People's Party to “join and vote yes for impeachment.”
-December. 14: Parliament impeaches Yoon with the support of 204 out of 300 lawmakers in the unicameral parliament. At least 12 PPP members voted in favor of his impeachment.
Yoon's presidential powers were suspended, and Prime Minister Han Dak-soo became acting president.
The Constitutional Court receives Parliament’s announcement regarding the impeachment of the president. He will have six months to decide whether to dismiss him or reinstate him.
