More than a million South Koreans gathered in front of the South Korean National Assembly on December 7 to witness the decision on the impeachment complaint against President Yoon Suk Yeol. They were deeply disappointed and infuriated when the complaint was not upheld due to the boycott by members of Yoon’s ruling party, the People Power Party (PPP), in parliament.

The complaint required 200 votes to pass through parliament, but during the voting, the PPP announced a boycott and walked out of the chamber, effectively cutting the votes needed to impeach Yoon by eight.

“The People Power Party has turned its back on the people’s wishes, effectively admitting their complicity [with Yoon],” the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) said. KCTU members joined the widespread protest. It can be recalled the they had announced an indefinite general strike starting on December 4 until Yoon stepped down from power.

South Korean workers and citizens have taken to the streets en masse in recent days in response to Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration on the night of December 3. According to the KCTU, their actions aim to defend democracy against the anti-constitutional and tyrannical measures of the state.

On the day of the impeachment vote, South Koreans gathered because they could not forgive the president’s actions and for aiming its weapons against the people, according to the union. “Despite the cold winter weather, they took to the streets hoping desperately for the impeachment to pass,” the KCTU stated.

The PPP’s actions during the impeachment shocked and angered them. “Today, citizens witnessed democracy taking a step backwards. They saw clearly who stands with those who would harm our democracy,” the union said. The KCTU consequently called for the dissolution of Yoon’s party and holding accountable all those who protect him to stay in power.

Amid these maneuvers, the KCTU boldly stated that the judgment of the people will bring Yoon, his accomplices, and the PPP to severe punishment. “It would be a grave mistake to think this can be resolved through compromise or constitutional amendments for an early resignation,” the group said. They expect demonstrations to continue in South Korea amid the intensifying political crisis in the country.

Meanwhile, a new impeachment complaint may be filed in parliament when it reconvenes on December 11. If enough votes are secured and Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the country’s Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, South Korea will hold an election to replace him within 60 days.