World
December 15, 2024 16:00
seoul - The impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol in South Korea brings relief and joy to the nation, ending days of uncertainty and chaos.
A wave of relief and joy sweeps through South Korea as the parliament votes for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, putting an end to days of anger and uncertainty over the political turmoil that ensued after the president declared a state of emergency.
"We have won, long live South Korea!" Cheers from thousands of South Koreans echo through the streets near the parliament building in the capital city of Seoul. People jump in the air, embracing each other with tears streaming down their faces. Demonstrators waited for hours, their eyes fixed on a live stream showing the parliament's vote. And then, the chairman uttered the words of deliverance: "The motion to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol has been passed."
There was a palpable sense of history being made as Bum-Jin, accompanied by two old school friends at the mass protest, expressed his disbelief. He highlighted the victory for democracy in South Korea, contrasting the night of the state of emergency declaration. Bum-Jin showed a photo of his military son and voiced concerns about the consequences if Yoon had remained in power, labeling him as 'crazy.'
The unexpected declaration and subsequent retraction of the military state of emergency by President Yoon over a week ago sparked outrage and protests. Remembering the political turmoil of 2017, where the former president Park Geun-hye was impeached, Bum-Jin and his friend Jun-Ho hesitated to join the recent massive demonstration. However, they felt compelled to act due to the severity of Yoon's actions.
Voicing concerns about the failed coup and reflecting on past upheavals in the country, Jun-Ho remarked on the peaceful nature of the current protests, highlighting the progress made by the nation.
Organizers estimated around two million attendees at the demonstration, likening it to a large K-pop festival. Protest songs and chants filled the air as calls for Yoon's resignation reverberated through the crowd.
One protester, 23-year-old medical student Park, not only voiced her opposition but also provided medical aid to fellow demonstrators, emphasizing the impact of Yoon's policies on the healthcare system in South Korea.
Following the impeachment vote, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumes the role of acting president, pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court within 180 days. All eyes are now on Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader, as the nation awaits potential new presidential elections.
President Yoon, who vowed to fight the decision, faces scrutiny, with his fate resting on the court's final verdict. Amidst shifting political landscapes, hopes turn towards the opposition and potential future leaders like Lee Jae-myung.