A Catholic advocacy group in South Korea has added its voice to mounting calls for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, amid escalating political turmoil fueled by allegations of a martial law conspiracy and eroding public confidence in his leadership.
The movement, spearheaded by “Catholic Climate Action,” organized a prayer and information campaign in front of the National Assembly building on Dec. 3, according to a report by Fides News Agency.
Around 200 faithful participated in the event, advocating for the president’s impeachment and emphasizing the role of Christians in promoting the common good.
“Politics is about love and service to the common good, but current politics actually causes pain and suffering,” said Fr. Lim Hyeon-ho, deputy chairman of the Department of Environmental Pastoral Care of the Archdiocese of Seoul.
Fr. Park Joo-ryung, another priest involved in the campaign, reflected on the broader societal implications of the crisis.
“The current situation may also be the result of our negligence, indifference, and irresponsibility: we are now called upon to reflect on this and act together,” he said, urging the public and lawmakers alike to take decisive action.
The calls for impeachment intensified following allegations that President Yoon conspired with Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to impose martial law on December 3, a move widely criticized as unconstitutional.
The Korean Public Prosecutor’s Office has since issued an arrest warrant for Kim, accusing him of ordering military intervention to block parliamentary proceedings. Critics argue this act was aimed at stifling opposition efforts to impeach the president.
Fr. Cho Seung-hyeon, a priest and journalist with the Korean Bishops’ Conference, voiced sharp criticism of the administration.
“This illegal martial law has shaken the people’s trust in President Yoon in our democratic republic. Who would follow a president who sends soldiers to the National Assembly just because he does not get what he wants?” he questioned.
Fr. Cho further highlighted the widespread dissatisfaction across political and social sectors, noting that “calls for the president’s resignation are coming from all walks of life and from the political world.”
The Catholic Church has been vocal in its opposition to the president’s actions. The National Commission for Justice and Peace, along with the Association of Superiors of Male and Female Religious Congregations and other diocesan justice and peace commissions, issued a joint statement.
“We call on the National Assembly, the representatives of the people, to impeach the president as soon as possible,” the statement read.
It continued, “What the president must do is resign, and if not, the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court must appeal and approve the impeachment measure as soon as possible.
This step is necessary to avoid national chaos.” The statement concluded with a firm reminder that “the people rule, and the president is not the master of the country.”
The political landscape in South Korea remains precarious. While the ruling People Power Party (PPP) reportedly contemplates President Yoon’s resignation by February to enable a “smooth transition” and early elections in 2025, opposition parties are pushing forward with impeachment motions.
A vote of no confidence is scheduled in Parliament on Dec. 14.
Analysts suggest that the crisis is rooted in a political stalemate between the president and a legislature dominated by opposition parties, exacerbated by Yoon’s dwindling popularity, which has plummeted to around 20% according to recent polls.
Meanwhile, historical memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past loom large, with citizens wary of any return to military governance.
