South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is bracing for a second impeachment motion in the National Assembly after his controversial martial law declaration on December 3. This move has sparked nationwide protests and raised tensions in Asia’s fourth-largest economy. While the opposition bloc controls 192 seats in the 300-member Assembly—eight short of the required two-thirds majority—growing dissent within Yoon’s own People Power Party has bolstered the chances of impeachment. In a defiant speech, Yoon ruled out resignation, calling the martial law decision a constitutional move to address a “political crisis” fueled by the opposition.

If impeached, Yoon’s presidential powers will be suspended, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo taking over as acting president. However, the opposition is also considering Han’s impeachment, which could pass leadership to the deputy prime minister for the economy. The Constitutional Court will then have 180 days to decide the case, requiring six out of nine justices to uphold the motion. Notably, three judicial seats remain vacant, leaving Yoon’s defense team a narrow margin to secure his reinstatement. The president’s legal team plans to argue that the martial law decision falls within his constitutional authority, shielding it from judicial scrutiny.

Even if the impeachment fails, Yoon faces criminal investigations over charges of insurrection, as sitting presidents are not immune to such allegations. This marks an unprecedented moment in South Korea’s history, with Yoon potentially becoming the first sitting leader to be arrested. The ongoing political turmoil has intensified calls for new leadership, leaving South Korea’s future governance in limbo amid this legal and constitutional battle.