Questions are emerging about the political future of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, with opposition lawmakers warning they would begin impeachment proceedings if he did not resign immediately.
South Korea has been going through a period of political turmoil since the president’s failed bid for what triggered a strong backlash, protests and growing pressure for him to resign.
How would this happen?
Under the South Korean constitution, parliament can approve one of the president if he has “violated the Constitution or other acts in the performance of official duties.”
Impeachment would need to be proposed by the majority of parliament — and approved by two-thirds of all deputies.
The proposal would then go to the Constitutional Court — one of the highest courts in South Korea, along with the Supreme Court. At least six of the nine judges must agree to proceed with impeachment.
The president would be suspended from exercising his power during the process until the impeachment is tried, according to the constitution.
What would come next?
During the judicial process, the prime minister would intervene as interim leader.
Current Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is serving in the role for the second time. He was prime minister from 2007 to 2008 under President Roh Moo-hyun, who was impeached and forced from office for two months before being restored to power by the Constitutional Court.
If an impeachment is upheld and the president resigns, the government must hold elections within 60 days, according to the constitution.
