South Korea chaos: Emergency talks as impeachment vote nears

South Korea’s political crisis escalates as major parties hold emergency discussions ahead of a possible impeachment vote against President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Yoon’s abrupt martial law declaration on Tuesday, citing “anti-state forces” and North Korean threats, plunged the country into chaos. The order was reversed within hours after 190 MPs entered parliament to block it, some breaking through barricades.

The opposition Democratic Party is working to expedite the impeachment vote, initially planned for Saturday, as soon as they secure the necessary 200 votes. They require support from at least eight members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP).

In a significant development, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon called for Yoon’s suspension on Friday, expressing concerns over potential “extreme actions” and revealing alleged plans to detain opposition politicians. His statement marked the first indication that the ruling party may join the impeachment effort.

Public outrage over Yoon’s martial law attempt has triggered protests outside parliament, while the crisis has unsettled South Korea’s allies and financial markets.