Quotes
The EU takes note of the decision by the National Assembly to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. It is important now to ensure a swift and orderly resolution of the current political crisis in line with the Korean Constitution,
an EU spokesperson said in a statement
The Republic of Korea is an important strategic partner for the EU,
the statement read, referring to Korea by its official nameI earnestly ask public servants this. At this moment, we have the critical task of ensuring normal and stable operations of state affairs ... I ask you to carry out your duties without any neglect to ensure that the government is operated without being shaken,
Han said in a televised statement
We have preserved the constitutional order!"
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered near the parliament roared in jubilation, waved banners and brandished colorful K-pop glow sticks, as a lead activist shouted on stage
I will carry with me all the criticisms, encouragement and support directed toward me, and I will continue to do my utmost for the country until the very last moment,
Yoon saidToday's impeachment is the great victory of the people,
Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae said following the vote
Yoon had no choice but to declare martial law. I approve of every decision he has made as president,
supporter Choi Hee-sun, 62, told AFP before the vote
Stay safe and take care of your health!"
she said on a superfan chat platformWe can no longer endure Yoon's madness,
spokeswoman Hwang Jung-a saidBut I came here instead to support my fellow citizens,
Kim Deuk-yun, 58, told AFPKorean democracy has survived a close call, and other democracies with a presidential form of government should take heed of the lessons from this episode,
said Tom Pepinsky, government and public policy professor at Cornell University
President Yoon's attempt to declare martial law reveals the fragility of the rule of law in divided societies, especially those with presidential governments in which the chief executive cannot be easily dismissed by the legislature,
he told NewsweekMost importantly, no members of President Yoon's own party were willing to defend his actions in public, nor did any vote in defense of his martial law declaration,
he addedThe opposition parties are currently going berserk, claiming that the declaration of martial law equates to insurrection,
Yoon said
Whether they impeach me or investigate me, I will face them down with confidence,
Yoon said in a defiant televised address on Thursday
The uncertainty the South Koreans have had to live with in the past two weeks is still the same uncertainty the lies ahead,
our correspondent added, noting the protracted political fight after the impeachment
What is happening in Syria is a major, dangerous and new change, and to know why this happened needs evaluation,
Hassan Fadlallah, a Lebanese lawmaker who represents Hezbollah’s political wing, said during a speech at a funeral for militants killed by Israel
Given that Manila is embarking on military modernization, I believe Seoul will continue to maintain defense cooperation with Manila, driven more by the potential of sales of military equipment and less because of the Chinese factor."
Yaacob added
A greater burden will absolutely fall on Japan if South Korea is doing less" in the region, and their trilateral security ties with the U.S. "can be easily reversed if a government in Seoul does not believe in the spirit of Camp David,
said WeinsteinIf a government comes in that is more friendly to China and is seeking to balance between the United States and the PRC [People's Republic of China], then the increased cooperation on security issues with the Philippines is likely to be downgraded,
said Kenneth Weinstein, the Japan chair at Hudson Institute