As it happened: South Korea’s President Yoon impeached over martial law declaration

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Shanghai bear cub Junjun becomes breakout star

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SHANGHAI: Adoring masses are flocking to a park in Shanghai to see Junjun, a bear cub only 11 months old, as he frolics in his wall playing with toys, such as a favorite rubber, or splashing in a water bowl. The brown bear, who measures 1m tall and weighs moreContinue Reading

Second vote to impeach South Korea’s Yoon ‘much more likely’ to succeed, say analysts

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WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOON IS IMPEACHED?

If the senate voting on Saturday is successful, the case will be transferred to the Constitutional Court. Friedhoff stated that he does no anticipate hearing a conviction for three or four months.

He also raised questions about whether the problem can even be heard. There are now six sitting judges, but seven are required to complete view.

We would see an vote within 60 days if they do choose to replace him and declare that his impeachment is legal and he is actually removed from power, Friedhoff added.

The most plausible time to watch out for that vote is May or June, according to the article.

Richey said it remains vague how the Constitutional Court will achieve its seven-judge vote, and if so, whether they would preserve the prosecution.

The analyst noted that Yoon’s on Thursday appeared to outline his good defense in the Constitutional Court decision-making process, which includes whether or not to declare martial law.

” He argues that he followed the legal process of doing so, and therefore, with a judge that does have conservative justices sitting on it, it’s not a promise, I think, at this point, that he would in truth been convicted”, cautioned Richey.

Because he is reinstated as president without the judgment of the Constitutional Court, it is finally required to remove him from office.

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China says Philippines has ‘provoked trouble’ in South China Sea with US backing

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Representatives from the Philippines reported last week that Chinese beach guard ships had side-swiped a Manila fishing commission boat on the way to provide supplies to Filipino fishermen around the Scarborough Shoal, a claim that received international condemnation. Four Spanish ships attempted to enter waters that Beijing called Huangyan Island,Continue Reading

Death of renowned novelist sparks discussions on elderly support and suicide in Taiwan

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EUTHANASIA DEBATE

Chiung Yao was reportedly in good health when she made the decision to take her own life.

On Nov 28, she dedicated a heartfelt Facebook post to her late husband, renowned publisher Ping Hsin-tao, who died in 2019. The pair shared a deep passion for literature and were married for four decades.

In Ping’s ailing final years, Chiung Yao had a dispute with her stepchildren over whether to continue his intubation.

Since then, she has publicly expressed her support for voluntary euthanasia.

In her parting note, Chiung Yao emphasised her decision came at an old age, after living a fulfilling life teeming with beautiful experiences.

She urged readers never to give up on life lightly, writing: “Momentary setbacks or negative events hone you for a beautiful life.

“I hope you can endure them, like me, and live until 86, 87 years old, until your physical strength fades, before deciding how to face death.

“By then, hopefully, humankind will have found more humane ways to help the elderly leave joyfully.”

Her message has renewed debate about euthanasia, which is illegal in Taiwan.

“Taiwan should have euthanasia because sometimes we just want to leave the world happily,” retiree Rebecca Chen, 70, who grew up reading Chiung Yao’s novels, told CNA. 

Among the messages of sorrow and disbelief under Chiung Yao’s Facebook post were a handful who supported her decision and some who did not.

“Your life is your own decision. I highly support her choice!” said one commenter. 

“I can understand (her) decision. Last year, I also almost made a trip to the other side. I know the feeling of being intubated and confined to the bed,” said another commenter.

“I’m in disbelief… There are so many people who love you. Can’t you see? You are not thinking straight,” a user commented.

“Why did you choose to leave this world? I feel disappointed. Are you not afraid of punishment in the afterlife?” said another commenter.

AGEING IN TAIWAN

Authorities said palliative care and societal support are important to ensure that the elderly are taken care of.

Official data shows those over the age of 65 have the highest suicide rate in Taiwan.

Liu Su Fang, chairwoman of the Taipei branch of the Teacher Chang Foundation, which offers counselling services, said deteriorating mental and physical health are contributing factors.

“The elderly could feel as if they are useless… that they have no value. Some also feel isolated because they live alone. Their children could be working in other cities,” she said.

Currently, more than 20 per cent of those over the age of 65 live alone, and the number is set to increase.

Taiwan has in recent years stepped up efforts in establishing agencies to help the elderly cope with their problems.

Authorities have set up more than 1,600 stations across Taiwan to provide physical and mental support to senior citizens.

The government has also encouraged the construction of more residential buildings and communities that are elderly-friendly, such as ramps and handrails, and activities to keep them occupied.

Initiatives like these are becoming all the more important, as Taiwan is expected to become a super-aged society next year with 20 per cent of its population over 65.

Advocates have urged those with elderly parents or grandparents to pay more attention to their behaviour and mood.

“If elderly people show signs of depression, we should try to let them interact with more people and let them take part in social activities,” said Liu.

“If the condition worsens, they should see a doctor. If people could show more concern by taking them out for meals or interacting more with them, they may feel supported.”

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Second martial law impeachment vote looms for South Korea’s Yoon

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BALL WITH THE Judge

Does it move, Yoon may be suspended from business while South Korea’s Constitutional Court deliberates.

Han Duck-soo, the president’s interval, will take over the duties during that time.

The judge will then have 180 time to act on Yoon’s potential. Yoon will become the next president in North Vietnamese history to be impeached if it supports his removal.

There is also law for the court to stop prosecution: In 2004, then-President Roh Moo-hyun was removed by legislature for alleged election law violations and stupidity.

However, he was afterwards reinstated by the Constitutional Court.

Additionally, the court now only has six courts, which may require that their decision be unanimous.

And should the ballot fail, Yoon may also experience “legal duty” for the military rules bid, Kim Hyun-jung, a researcher at the Korea University Institute of Law, told AFP.

” This is clearly an act of insurrection”, she said.

” Even if the prosecution movement does not go, the President’s legitimate obligations under the Criminal Code… cannot become avoided”.

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K-pop, carols, free food at South Korea impeachment protests

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Songs, SCHOOL Recollections

A slightly modified edition of the well-known Feliz Navidad Christmas song by song Baek Ja, which has an impeachment-themed theme, also went viral last week.

” Christmas is joyful when Yoon Suk Yeol retires”, the song’s lyrics go.

Last Wednesday night, in front of the National Assembly building, protesters carrying signs that said” Arrest ( Yoon ) immediately” and” Impeach”, waved lit candles and cellphones as the singer performed the song.

South Koreans even have cranked up romantic music.

In the late 1970s, the government started offering exercise classes in schools, and many South Koreans who attended schools in the 1980s and 1990s are fond of the programs: simple, repetitive actions performed to cheerful music.

Since last week, activists have performed the routines to the common rhythm while singing:” Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol”.

Some people used padded coats and hats, armed with glow sticks, to fend off the cold weather.

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