Taiwan Respects South Korea’s Decision to Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol
Taiwan’s government issued a statement on Sunday expressing its respect for South Korea’s decision to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. This comes after South Korea’s National Assembly voted to remove Yoon from office following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier in December. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) highlighted its support for South Korea’s democratic process, emphasizing the importance of the country’s decisions made through democratic procedures.
Details of the Impeachment Decision
The impeachment of President Yoon was voted on Saturday, with 204 members of South Korea’s National Assembly voting in favor of the motion and 85 opposing it. The impeachment came after Yoon declared martial law on December 3, which sparked protests nationwide. The declaration was swiftly overturned by lawmakers within six hours.
A prior impeachment motion failed to pass on December 7 due to a boycott by members of the ruling People Power Party, but this second vote was successful, leading to the suspension of President Yoon’s office. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is now serving as acting president until the Constitutional Court of Korea makes its final ruling within 180 days.
Taiwan’s Continued Support for South Korea
In response to the impeachment, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that it would continue to closely monitor developments in South Korea. The ministry also stressed the strong bilateral ties between Taiwan and South Korea, which are founded on mutual respect and cooperation in various fields, including economics, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both countries are key members of the Indo-Pacific democratic partnership and have consistently worked together to achieve substantial achievements in areas such as regional security and economic growth.
Key Facts About the Impeachment Process:
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 3 | Martial Law Declaration | Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law, sparking protests. |
| Dec. 7 | First Impeachment Vote | First vote fails due to boycott by ruling party members. |
| Dec. 9 | Second Impeachment Vote | National Assembly votes 204 to 85 to impeach President Yoon. |
| Ongoing | Constitutional Court Ruling | Court has 180 days to decide on Yoon’s impeachment. |
| Dec. 9 | Acting President | Prime Minister Han Duck-soo temporarily takes over office. |
Travel Advisory for Taiwanese Citizens in South Korea
Amid the political unrest, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a “gray alert” for Taiwanese travelers in South Korea. This is the lowest level of travel advisory, which advises caution due to ongoing political developments. Taiwanese citizens are strongly encouraged to avoid participating in any political gatherings or protests during their stay in South Korea to ensure their personal safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What led to the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol?
President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, which sparked widespread protests in South Korea. The National Assembly voted to impeach him following this controversial action.
2. What happens next in the impeachment process?
The Constitutional Court of South Korea has 180 days to make a final ruling on whether Yoon’s impeachment should be upheld. Until then, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president.
3. What is Taiwan’s stance on the impeachment?
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its respect for the decision made by South Korea’s lawmakers, emphasizing Taiwan’s commitment to democratic values and the continuation of strong bilateral relations with South Korea.
4. Should Taiwanese citizens travel to South Korea during this time?
Taiwanese travelers are advised to exercise caution and avoid participating in political events. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a “gray alert” for South Korea, signaling a need for vigilance but not immediate danger.
5. How will the impeachment affect Taiwan-South Korea relations?
Taiwan remains committed to its strong ties with South Korea, particularly in areas such as trade, regional security, and people-to-people exchanges. The government intends to continue enhancing cooperation despite the political changes in Seoul.
Conclusion: Taiwan’s Ongoing Support for South Korea’s Democratic Process
While South Korea navigates this period of political upheaval, Taiwan stands firm in its respect for the democratic procedures followed by the National Assembly. The two countries will continue to work together to strengthen their ties and address shared regional and global challenges.
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