(Reuters)
SEOUL, June 2 – South Koreans will go to the polls in a snap election on Tuesday, voting for a president to replace Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office in April after his brief martial law attempt sent shockwaves through the country.
Here are key events from martial law to Yoon’s impeachment, arrest, and indictment, and election day.
-December 3, 2024: Shortly before 10:30 p.m. (1330 GMT), Yoon declares on national television he is imposing martial law to root out “anti-state forces” and overcome political deadlock.
An hour later the military issues a decree banning activity by political parties and lawmakers, and troops and police descend on the opposition-controlled parliament. Staffers use barricades and fire extinguishers to ward off special operations soldiers who arrive by helicopter and break windows as they enter parliament.
Lawmakers hop fences to avoid the security cordons and crowds of protesters gather.
-December 4: Defying the military’s order, 190 lawmakers in the early hours unanimously vote to reject Yoon’s declaration and troops begin to leave.
About three and a half hours later, Yoon gives another televised speech, announcing he is lifting martial law. The decree was in effect for about six hours.
Opposition parties submit motion to impeach Yoon.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell says Yoon “badly misjudged” his decision to declare martial law, which was “deeply problematic” and “illegitimate.”
-December 5: Yoon’s People Power Party, although divided, decides to oppose his impeachment.
Yoon accepts the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Police investigate Yoon, Kim and the interior minister on accusations of treason and related crimes over the declaration of martial law after opposition parties and activists filed complaints.
-December 6: PPP leader Han Dong-hoon says Yoon must be removed from power for trying to impose martial law. Some party members urge Yoon to resign.
-December 7: Yoon addresses the nation to apologise, saying he will put his fate in the hands of the PPP but not saying he will resign.
