South Korea’s opposition-controlled parliament has passed a bill aimed at appointing a special counsel to investigate President Yoon Suk-yeol over his failed declaration of martial law, while discussions within the ruling party have centered on his potential resignation in the coming months.
The bill, approved on Tuesday, seeks the appointment of a special prosecutor to “determine the truth about the internal rebellion through the unconstitutional declaration of martial law,” according to Yonhap news agency.
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A total of 210 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, 63 voted against, and 14 abstained, out of the 287 members present during the session.
The bill follows Yoon’s narrow escape from impeachment last week, when a motion in the 300-seat parliament failed due to a lack of quorum, with fewer than 200 lawmakers in attendance.
The controversy stems from Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law, a decision that was swiftly reversed after parliament intervened hours later. The newly passed bill also calls for investigations into other key officials involved, including former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, Yonhap reported.