South Korea’s Constitutional Court has officially removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office after unanimously upholding his impeachment, following his failed attempt to impose martial law.
Yoon was suspended from his duties in December after the National Assembly impeached him over his military takeover attempt. The ruling on Friday was met with mixed reactions—jubilation from his critics and disappointment from his supporters—who gathered across Seoul to witness the verdict live.
A snap presidential election must now be held by June 3, according to South Korean law.
After months of uncertainty, South Koreans are now looking to rebuild and move forward by electing a new leader. However, the political crisis triggered by Yoon’s actions is far from over. His six-hour military takeover may have been brief, but its impact continues to divide the nation.
On the night of December 3, Yoon ordered the military to storm the National Assembly. The move reignited painful memories of South Korea’s past authoritarian rule, shattering the assumption that martial law was a thing of the past.
The Constitutional Court’s decision was a major victory for South Korea’s democracy. All eight judges voted to remove Yoon from office, condemning his actions as a blatant abuse of power.
Moon Hyung-bae, the acting chief justice, stated that Yoon’s military intervention was unjustified and violated the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“The implementation of martial law stripped citizens of their basic political rights,” Moon declared, underscoring the gravity of Yoon’s actions.
In the wake of Yoon’s removal, there are increasing calls to amend South Korea’s constitution to strengthen democratic institutions and limit presidential powers. However, any such reforms would require the support of a future president willing to curb their own authority.
As Yoon exits office, he leaves behind a fractured country. Initially, most South Koreans condemned his actions, but over time, his conspiracy-laden rhetoric has gained traction among far-right supporters. He claimed that South Korea’s government was infiltrated by North Korean and Chinese spies and that past elections were rigged.
His loyalists now see him as a political martyr, fueling a rise in right-wing extremism. Thousands of protesters continue to take to the streets of Seoul, challenging the legitimacy of the courts and the electoral system.
South Korea must elect a new president within the next 60 days, but the political climate remains deeply polarized. A significant portion of the population distrusts the Constitutional Court and the election process, raising concerns about the stability of the nation’s democracy.
Adding to the uncertainty, South Korea must also navigate its strained relationship with the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have already hurt Seoul’s economy, and many fear additional pressures, including demands for increased defense spending and negotiations with North Korea.
Yoon’s legal team has accused the court of making a politically motivated decision. His lawyer, Yoon Gap-geun, stated, “This trial was neither lawful nor fair. The ruling is a political decision.”
While Yoon’s political party, the People Power Party (PPP), has accepted the verdict, Yoon himself has refused to concede. In a statement, he apologized to his supporters without acknowledging the court’s decision.
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“I deeply regret that I could not meet your expectations,” Yoon said. “Serving the Republic of Korea has been my greatest honor.”
Since the ruling was issued by the nation’s highest court, Yoon has no legal recourse to appeal. However, given his defiant stance, it remains uncertain whether he will step away quietly.
Yoon’s downfall began with his unprecedented televised declaration of martial law on December 3. He justified the move as a necessary action to protect the nation from “anti-state” elements, despite being embroiled in corruption scandals and facing political deadlock over a budget bill.
His declaration was swiftly overturned by a near-unanimous vote in parliament, including members of his own party. On December 14, he was impeached and suspended from office.
Beyond impeachment, Yoon now faces criminal charges for insurrection, making him the first South Korean president to be arrested while in office. He is currently out on bail, awaiting trial.
Yoon is not the only South Korean leader to face impeachment. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was recently reinstated as interim leader after his own impeachment over a judicial appointment controversy. In 2017, former President Park Geun-hye was also removed from office over a high-profile corruption scandal.
As South Korea heads into a critical election, the nation remains deeply divided, grappling with the consequences of Yoon’s attempted power grab. The next 60 days will be crucial in determining the country’s political future.
The removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol marks a pivotal moment in South Korea’s democratic history. While the nation has successfully defended itself against an authoritarian takeover, the scars of this political crisis will take time to heal. The upcoming election will determine whether South Korea can restore stability or continue down a path of deepening division.
