South Korea’s Constitutional Court has unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, officially removing him from office on Friday. The decision follows months of political turmoil triggered by Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law last year, which plunged the nation into its most severe crisis in decades.
The court’s ruling mandates a presidential election within 60 days, as stipulated by the constitution. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will continue to serve as acting president until a new leader is inaugurated.
Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stated that President Yoon violated his constitutional duties by overstepping his powers with the martial law declaration on December 3. Moon described Yoon’s actions as “a serious challenge to democracy” and “a grave betrayal of the people’s trust who are the sovereign members of the democratic republic.”
The announcement was met with jubilation by thousands gathered outside the courthouse, many of whom had camped overnight. Cheers erupted as supporters chanted, “We won!”
“The Constitutional Court’s unanimous ruling has removed a major source of uncertainty,” said Professor Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha University in Seoul. The sentiment was echoed by Son Byun-hwan, a professor at George Mason University, who told AFP, “The very fact that the system did not collapse suggests that Korean democracy can survive even the worst challenge against it—a coup attempt.”
This marks the second time a South Korean leader has been impeached by the court, following the 2017 removal of Park Geun-hye. The political upheaval comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with economic slowdown and navigates its relationship with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
(With input from Reuters and AFP)
Cover image: People celebrate after President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment was accepted, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, April 4, 2025. /Reuters
