A significant majority of South Koreans support impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial, albeit brief, declaration of martial law earlier this week, according to a new survey. The political turmoil surrounding the declaration, which was rescinded just hours later, has unsettled both the public and financial markets, with 73.6% of respondents backing Yoon’s impeachment, as reported by Yonhap. 

The poll, conducted by Realmeter on December 4 with 504 participants, reveals a sharp public backlash against the president’s actions. The survey showed that nearly three-quarters of South Koreans believe Yoon’s decision to declare emergency martial law on December 3 night violated the Constitution and other laws, leading to widespread calls for accountability. While the declaration was lifted within six hours, the political fallout has been swift and severe.

In addition to the impeachment support, the survey also found that 70% of respondents considered Yoon’s actions as potentially treasonous, a stark rebuke of his leadership. Only 25% disagreed with the assessment, reflecting a high level of public concern about the constitutional implications of the martial law declaration.

The political crisis has sparked an immediate response from opposition lawmakers, who have formally submitted an impeachment motion against the president. They argue that Yoon’s decision to impose martial law was an unlawful power grab, and they are pushing for his removal from office. The motion, however, faces an uphill battle in a politically divided National Assembly, where Yoon’s ruling party holds a majority.

The fallout has also extended to the country’s markets, with investor confidence shaken by the sudden declaration of martial law and the ensuing uncertainty. Analysts are watching closely to see how the political drama unfolds and whether Yoon’s government can recover from this significant blow to its legitimacy.

With public opinion firmly against him, Yoon faces mounting pressure to address the constitutional violations and political instability caused by his actions. The impeachment motion could be a turning point in South Korean politics, as the nation grapples with the balance of power between the president and the legislature.