SOUTH-KOREA – South Korea’s opposition has initiated impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol over his martial law declaration. If impeached, he could face trial for high treason. South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol has replaced Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun amid efforts by opposition parties to impeach both men for briefly imposing martial law this week – a move that was overturned by parliament. Kim offered his resignation and apologised for the disruption and concern caused to the public by the incident, admitting that troops acted under his orders and taking full responsibility. Yoon announced on Thursday that Kim will be replaced by retired General Choi Byung-hyuk, currently South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Vice Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho will serve as acting minister until Choi assumes the role after a parliamentary hearing.

The hearing is largely symbolic, as the president can appoint ministers without requiring parliamentary approval. A joint motion to impeach Yoon has been submitted to the National Assembly and will be voted on this Saturday evening. Meanwhile, in the wake of the martial law incident, large crowds gathered outside the parliament for a candlelit vigil in protest against the president. Yoon, who faces potential prosecution for high treason, has not appeared in public since announcing the lifting of martial law on television. Opposition lawmakers also voted on Thursday to impeach the chairman of South Korea’s auditing board and three senior prosecutors. The prosecutors are accused of watering down an investigation into suspected stock manipulation involving Yoon’s wife.  (Euronews)