SEOUL: The National Assembly’s 204-85 vote, with three abstentions and four invalid ballots, came amidst mass protests by both Yoon’s opponents and supporters in different parts of Seoul.

The impeachment motion required only eight defectors from Yoon’s party to pass and succeeded as mounting calls for the embattled leader to step down gained momentum. President Yoon, who narrowly survived a similar vote last weekend, has been accused of attempting to impose martial law and faces an ongoing investigation into insurrection charges. A travel ban has already been placed on several of his key allies.

As lawmakers debated the fate of the presidency, thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly demanding Yoon’s removal. Meanwhile, Gwanghwamun saw counter-rallies from his supporters, who continue to back the leader despite the growing political crisis.