In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month. The National Assembly voted 204-85 on Saturday to suspend the president's powers and duties, transferring leadership to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president. The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide whether to permanently remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. A new presidential election would be required within 60 days if the court upholds the impeachment.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung celebrated the impeachment vote as a victory for the people and a step towards strengthening democracy, according to Yonhap News Agency. This marks the second impeachment attempt against Yoon, with the first failing last weekend due to a boycott by the ruling People Power Party (PPP). However, growing public dissent and a decline in Yoon's approval ratings led some PPP members to support the second impeachment motion.

Yoon's six-hour martial law decree on December 3rd, the first in over four decades, plunged the nation into political chaos. The decree disrupted diplomatic efforts and impacted financial markets before being unanimously overturned by parliament. Yoon's attempt to deploy troops and police to the parliament to obstruct the vote further fueled public anger. Large protests demanding Yoon's removal and arrest have taken place in Seoul, while counter-protests by his supporters have also occurred.

Currently barred from leaving the country, Yoon is under investigation for potential charges including rebellion and abuse of power related to the martial law declaration. While he enjoys presidential immunity from most criminal prosecution, this does not apply to rebellion or treason. Several high-ranking officials, including the defense minister, police chief, and head of Seoul's metropolitan police, have been arrested in connection with the martial law incident, with other officials also facing scrutiny.