The vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol began with all but three People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers—Ahn Cheol-soo, Kim Ye-ji, and Kim Sang-wook—leaving the National Assembly. As Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), explained the reasons behind the motion, Ahn remained in the chamber, the only PPP lawmaker present. However, as the secret ballot vote began, Kim Ye-ji and Kim Sang-wook returned to participate.
With the impeachment motion failing to meet the required quorum, Park seized the opportunity to call out the names of the absent PPP lawmakers. Each time he named a lawmaker, DPK members stood and echoed the name. At one point, Park singled out those who had voted to lift the state of emergency, urging, “Those who participated in the vote to lift the state of emergency, please come back.”
In a moment of confusion, Park mistakenly called Ahn Cheol-soo’s name and quickly apologized, saying, “Thank you,” as he bowed his head. Ahn nodded respectfully in return.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik then addressed the PPP lawmakers who had left before the vote, urging, “Aren’t you afraid of how history, the people, and the world will judge you? I hope you will return and participate in the vote.” He stressed, “South Korea is a country protected by its people. Regardless of political affiliation, we must protect it together.”
Woo also decided to keep the plenary session open while waiting for the ruling party lawmakers to return. The impeachment motion had been reported to the National Assembly at 12:48 a.m. on Dec. 5, meaning the vote could be held until 12:48 a.m. on Dec. 8.
Earlier, Woo had strongly criticized Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, who had also left before the vote, saying, “You are disregarding the National Assembly and the people.”
“It is customary for government officials to remain in their seats during legislative proceedings—it is both a principle and a courtesy to the people,” Woo said. “The prime minister was unable to attend due to other national issues, and Park attended in his place, but leaving in the middle of the session is disrespectful to the National Assembly and the people it represents.”
He concluded, “The National Assembly will take appropriate action regarding this failure to fulfill responsibility.”
