Political analyst calls impeachment of South Korean president likely

Amid the declaration of martial law by South Korean President Yun Seok-yeol, serious protests may erupt in the country. The head of state made this decision to put pressure on his opponents, but because of his low popularity, he may eventually lose power. This opinion was shared by Daria Kurginova, expert of Polylog Group, political scientist, in a conversation with Izvestia on December 3.

President of the Republic of Korea Yun Seok-yol announced the introduction of martial law earlier in the day. The reason was given as the threat of paralysis of power due to attempts to conduct impeachment proceedings.

"Nothing will change. Yun Seok-yol has long had a low approval rating - the lowest of any South Korean president - and the topic of his impeachment has been in the air. Despite the ruling party's boycott, the Democrats, who have a majority, have become preoccupied with carrying the budget through parliament unilaterally. Yoon Seok-yeol is probably tired of negotiating: he will parrot his opponents, pass the necessary budget and calm down. In the Asian mentality, hasty decisions are not in vogue," Kurginova commented.

She emphasized that the Democratic Party of the Republic of Korea has a strong enough weight and resources. Thus, earlier the impeachment procedure in South Korea has already been carried out in 2016 against President Park Geun-hye because of corruption and disclosure of secret documents by her entourage. At the same time, so far there is no dirt on the incumbent president, notes the political scientist.

"The reason for impeachment may well be the introduction of martial law, if the parliament manages to annul this decision. Remembering the historical memory of South Korea on the subject of dictatorships, it is not excluded that the president is now "digging a hole for himself," - added the interlocutor of the publication.

According to her, all deputies are currently traveling to the parliament to cancel martial law. If their detentions start, "there will be trouble and violent protests," said Kurginova. Among other things, the opposition is now agitating those who are not indifferent to flock to the national assembly building and the city center.

"The military has just banned any rallies in the country. One clash and the outbreak will be difficult to extinguish," she concluded.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Ryonhap news agency quoted the commander of the emergency regime, Army Chief of Staff Park Ahn-soo, as saying that the activities of parliament, political parties and associations in South Korea have been banned until martial law is lifted.

According to eyewitnesses on social networks, against the background of these events, protesters in Seoul gather outside the national assembly building. Security forces are blocking the parliament after the opposition leader promised to defy the martial law order.

The Russian embassy urged Russian citizens in the country to remain calm, follow the recommendations of the authorities and refrain from participating in mass events.