National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik declares the passage of an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

The National Assembly passed a motion, Saturday, to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law declaration, with at least 12 lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) joining in supporting his removal from office.

Out of a total of 300 anonymous ballots cast for the impeachment vote, 204 were in favor of ousting the president, while 85 were opposed, three lawmakers abstained, and eight votes were deemed invalid.

Although the vote was anonymous, it is estimated that, given the 192 members of the opposition bloc, 12 lawmakers from the PPP voted in favor of impeachment despite the party's official stance opposing the motion.

In the first impeachment vote held on Dec. 7, all but three PPP lawmakers boycotted the vote, resulting in a lack of quorum and causing the motion to be automatically scrapped.

The motion's approval comes 11 days after Yoon abruptly declared martial law, citing the need to protect the country and maintain social order against what he referred to as "anti-state forces," a term interpreted as referring to the opposition bloc and others who oppose him.

Following the passage of the impeachment bill, Yoon's duties as president are suspended until the Constitutional Court makes a decision on whether to uphold or reject the motion.

Lawmakers attend a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Saturday, to cast their secret ballots for an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Shortly after the motion passed, Yoon expressed his resolve to continue challenging the decision.

"When I traveled the world as the representative salesperson of the Republic of Korea and achieved results, I felt an indescribable sense of fulfillment. As Korea's international status rose and our security and economy grew stronger, I forgot my fatigue. Now, the journey that was difficult but fulfilling, and challenging yet rewarding, has come to a temporary halt," Yoon said in a pre-recorded video message.

"Although I may pause for a moment now, the journey toward the future that I have walked with the people over the past two and a half years must never come to a stop. I will never give up," he added.

He said he will bear all the criticism, encouragement, and support directed toward him, emphasizing that he intends to continue giving his utmost for the country until the very last moment.

Yoon also urged politicians to focus on improving the political environment and systems, calling for a shift from reckless confrontation to thoughtful deliberation and consideration.

"I believe in the strength of our people. Let us all unite our efforts for the freedom, democracy, and prosperity of the Republic of Korea," his said.

People Power Party Rep. Kim Sang-wook sits during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Seoul, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Opposition urges swift Constitutional Court ruling

Following the passage of the motion, Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), described it as "a great victory for the people" and pledged to ensure that the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment ruling.

"The Dec. 3 insurrection is not yet over. The suspension of presidential duties for the mastermind, Yoon Suk Yeol, is only the first step in resolving the crisis," Park said. "We will conduct a thorough investigation into all those involved, including Yoon, and will not rest until those responsible are held accountable and the full extent of the incident is revealed."

He also urged the Constitutional Court to swiftly proceed with the case and rule strictly in accordance with the law.

The minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party also welcomed the passage of the motion, saying it is "the starting point for the restoration of democracy. Now is the time for judgment and punishment. We do not have guns or swords. We only have the Constitution and the law."

The party also emphasized that Yoon should be immediately arrested and that investigations must commence without delay.

The ruling party, meanwhile, expressed regret, with its floor leader Rep. Kweon Seong-dong saying he expects the Constitutional Court to make a fair decision, in accordance with relevant laws and procedures.

The impeachment vote has plunged the PPP into significant internal turmoil between those who supported and opposed the impeachment, coupled with a near collapse of the party's leadership.

Five members of its Supreme Council tendered their resignations during a party meeting held immediately after the passage of the motion. According to the party's regulations, the council is dissolved if at least four members resign, prompting the need to set up an emergency committee. That means Han will be stripped of his chairmanship.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks to reporters as he enters the Government Complex in central Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

Prime minister is acting president

With the passage of the impeachment motion, the prime minister now assumes the role of acting president.

The powers granted to the president by the Constitution are extensive, encompassing command over the military, the authority to enforce laws, the power to appoint and remove public officials, and the responsibility for conducting diplomatic affairs.

With his duties suspended, Yoon will no longer be able to exercise those powers. However, security and protocol services will still be provided to him, as he will not be officially removed from office until the Constitutional Court issues its ruling.

The presidential secretariat will also remain, but its role will shift to supporting the acting president instead.