North Korea Says ‘Impeachment Fever’ Is Spreading in South Korea After Martial Law Move

North Korea has, for the first time, commented on the situation following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law, reporting that protests and calls for impeachment have spread across the country, which they described as a “state of emergency.”

Rodong Sinmun reported on Tuesday that Yoon declared martial law on the evening of December 3 to address what they termed the worst crisis of his presidency. The report detailed the deployment of fully armed martial law troops, including helicopters and units from the Army Special Warfare Command, to block the National Assembly.

The article explained that the National Assembly passed a resolution in an emergency session demanding the repeal of the state of emergency, forcing Yoon to lift it just six hours after it was declared.

It further asserted that Yoon has engaged in “deranged” acts reminiscent of the coups during the military dictatorship decades ago as he faces scrutiny during and possibly beyond his term. This sparked intense condemnation from the opposition and various sectors of society, further fueling the public’s call for impeachment.

The Democratic Party and other opposition parties immediately announced plans to file treason charges against Yoon and his associates, including the Minister of National Defense and the Minister of the Interior and Safety. On December 5, 191 lawmakers from six opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, proposed an impeachment motion.

The report added that members of the ruling party, the People Power Party, who declared opposition to impeachment, collectively walked out of the meeting hall. This action invalidated the impeachment motion against Yoon due to insufficient votes.

The area surrounding the National Assembly transformed into a site of nationwide protests upon the news. Candlelight vigils continued from Saturday to Tuesday across various locations in Seoul and throughout the country.

The report also noted that the international community is closely monitoring Yoon’s political future, anticipating it may end early.