South Korea faces political crisis as fears of martial law resurface amid impeachment push - media

The Republic of Korea is reportedly facing a "tense night" amid concerns that martial law could be reintroduced.

Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Toburo Party, expressed grave concerns about the situation, stating, "I feel that tonight will be a very dangerous night, Caliber.Az reports citing Korean media.

There are fears about what might happen early in the morning." When asked if he was referring to a potential attempt to reimpose martial law, Lee acknowledged the possibility, saying, "There are such concerns."

Earlier, Lee Jae-myung had raised alarm over the possibility that President Yoon Suk-yeol could provoke clashes with North Korea in an attempt to consolidate power.

The leader of South Korea's ruling party has called for President Yoon Suk-yeol's removal from office over his attempt to impose martial law, intensifying pressure on him to resign. This comes despite a strong reaffirmation by members of his People Power Party (PPP) to oppose his impeachment.

On December 7, lawmakers will vote on an impeachment motion brought by the main opposition Democratic Party. This follows President Yoon's controversial decision on December 3 to grant the military broad emergency powers in an effort to eliminate what he described as "anti-state forces" and address political opposition. Yoon reversed the decree about six hours later after parliament, including members from his own party, voted to reject it.

The PPP has pledged to block the impeachment motion, a stance it reiterated during a lengthy meeting on December 6. For the motion to succeed, however, some members of the ruling party would need to support it.

Meanwhile, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho dismissed rumors that another attempt to impose martial law was imminent, assuring the public that such reports were untrue.

By Vafa Guliyeva