"Confusion Will Continue," Japanese Media's Assessment... Live Broadcast of Impeachment Vote Counting

Reports of Internal Turmoil and Concerns Over Deteriorating Korea-Japan Relations

Japanese media also quickly reported the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol.

NHK homepage screen capture

On the 14th, some private broadcasters such as Nippon Television (Nittere) aired the vote counting process of the impeachment motion in real time. When the voting results came out, the Nittere anchor reported, "The impeachment motion has been passed," but added, "However, confusion is expected to continue."

NHK did not broadcast live coverage. However, it reported the passage news through its internet homepage, along with an article stating, "This is the first time since President Park Geun-hye in 2016 that a presidential impeachment motion has been passed in South Korea." In particular, NHK emphasized, "This impeachment motion did not include the phrase from the first impeachment motion that 'he insisted on a Japan-centered strange foreign policy.'"

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun also reported the passage of the impeachment motion as breaking news. It added, "The Constitutional Court will deliver a ruling within 180 days," and predicted, "The political situation in South Korea will remain confused, which is likely to affect diplomatic and security policies including South Korea-Japan relations and North Korea measures."

The Asahi Shimbun, immediately after the passage, posted on its homepage, "The impeachment motion has passed the National Assembly. The president's duties will be suspended," and evaluated, "From now on, the impeachment trial will move to the Constitutional Court, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will act as president, but domestic and diplomatic confusion is expected." The Yomiuri Shimbun also issued breaking news saying, "The second impeachment motion has been passed," and "(President Yoon Suk-yeol) will be suspended from duty."

The Mainichi Shimbun, citing Japanese government officials, said, "President Yoon, who valued the Korea-US-Japan alliance and played a leading role in improving Korea-Japan relations, falling from power could have a negative impact on the East Asian situation." It especially explained that during former President Moon Jae-in's term, relations between the two countries deteriorated to the worst level due to issues such as forced labor, making the future of Korea-Japan relations uncertain.

Meanwhile, the second impeachment motion was proposed on the 12th by six opposition parties including the Democratic Party, the People's Innovation Party, the Reform Party, the Progressive Party, the Basic Income Party, and the Social Democratic Party. Unlike the first impeachment motion, it focused on President Yoon's declaration of martial law and charges of rebellion. At 4 p.m. that day, the National Assembly held a plenary session and voted on the impeachment motion, with 300 members in total: 204 in favor, 85 against, 3 abstentions, and 8 invalid votes, resulting in the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol.