South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung spoke during an interview with Reuters at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. The photo accompanying the article was taken by Reuters.

Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea's main opposition party, cautioned that President Yoon Suk Yeol could attempt to declare martial law once more before parliament votes on his impeachment this Saturday. Yoon's recent imposition of martial law caused significant disruption in Asia's fourth-largest economy. Lee's Democratic Party, along with other minor parties, is pushing for an impeachment motion against Yoon, with a vote scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

As Lee prepared for an interview with Reuters in his office within the National Assembly building on Friday afternoon, rumors circulated that Yoon might visit the parliament. This prompted opposition lawmakers to gather hastily, fearing another martial law attempt. Yoon's office denied any such plans, and the acting defense minister dismissed reports of a second martial law order as unfounded.

However, Lee expressed concern that there could still be a spontaneous late-night declaration to change the situation, though he provided no concrete evidence. "The situation is deteriorating, leaving fewer options for escape. Yoon might view this as a way to dismantle existing systems and create a scenario where he can wield power arbitrarily, regardless of how unreasonable it may be," Lee said. "That's why tonight is very dangerous, as it might be his last opportunity."

The impeachment requires the support of two-thirds of the 300-member assembly, meaning at least eight of the 108 legislators from Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) must vote in favor. The conservative PPP has stated it will block Yoon's impeachment, a stance reaffirmed after a lengthy meeting of its lawmakers on Friday night, despite earlier comments from its chief, Han Dong-hoon, suggesting Yoon should be removed from power.

Lee noted that Han's views might not reflect the official party line, but the likelihood of the motion passing was increasing. "Even if he avoids it tomorrow, the outcome will eventually be the same—whether it's the day after tomorrow, a week later, or a month later—the only solution is to impeach him unless he resigns," he said. If parliament votes to impeach, the president is suspended from duty until the Constitutional Court decides on his ouster, with the prime minister acting in his place until a snap election is held.

Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, is considered a top contender if Yoon is removed and a snap election is called. However, a criminal conviction in November for an election law violation and pending criminal cases could hinder his candidacy. Many members of Yoon's party have cited the need to prevent Lee from taking power as a reason to oppose impeachment.

When asked if he would run, Lee said it was not the time to consider that, but to focus on overcoming the crisis quickly to avoid serious economic and diplomatic repercussions. "The current situation is not a problem rooted in our country or democracy, but rather a virus that has infiltrated our well-functioning system," he said. "We must concentrate on eradicating this virus. With proper, swift action, we will recover, and through this process, our nation and democracy will become even stronger."

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