South Korea Court Upholds Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol

SEOUL, South Korea — On April 4, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, effectively removing him from office. This decision follows Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which led to his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024.

The court cited serious constitutional violations, including the improper declaration of martial law and actions that infringed upon judicial independence and political freedoms. As a result, Yoon is disqualified from holding public office for five years and faces potential criminal prosecution. A snap presidential election is scheduled for June 3, 2025, to elect his successor.

Yoon's declaration of martial law involved deploying military and police forces to the National Assembly, effectively suspending legislative activities. This move was met with widespread public protests and political opposition, leading to significant turmoil within the country.

In response to Yoon's actions, the National Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings. An initial vote on December 7, 2024, failed due to a boycott by members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), resulting in a lack of quorum. However, a subsequent vote on December 14, 2024, saw the impeachment motion pass with 204 out of 300 lawmakers in favor, including at least 12 members from the PPP. This led to the suspension of Yoon's presidential duties, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming the role of acting president.

Yoon now faces a trial for leading an alleged insurrection, a charge carrying a possible death or life sentence. Despite his ousting and ongoing criminal proceedings, Yoon was released from custody in March after a court canceled his arrest. Upon returning home, Yoon was greeted by both supporters and critics amid a heavy police presence. He publicly thanked his followers and pledged to continue striving for a "free and prosperous Republic of Korea."

A snap presidential election is scheduled for June 3, 2025, to elect Yoon's successor. The main opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, has stepped down from his role as leader of the Democratic Party, signaling a likely bid for the presidency. Lee, a populist figure and front-runner in opinion polls, previously lost the 2022 presidential election narrowly and led his party to a significant parliamentary victory last year. Meanwhile, Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo has declared his candidacy for the ruling People Power Party, becoming the leading conservative contender, though he lags behind Lee in polls.

Yoon's attempt to impose martial law in December sparked constitutional turmoil and societal polarization. His departure from the presidential residence drew both supporters and critics, highlighting the deep divisions within South Korean society. Concerns over security in his densely populated new residence have delayed the move. Additionally, Yoon's new residence, the 164-square-meter Acrovista complex, houses over 750 families and sits at the site of the tragic 1995 department store collapse. The tight residential setting and the political controversy surrounding Yoon have sparked concern among neighbors about potential crowds and security risks.

North Korean state media KCNA reported on the South Korean Constitutional Court's decision to remove impeached President Yoon Suk-Yeol from office following his attempt to impose martial law in December. The decision was unanimous, with all eight judges voting in favor of his ouster. During his brief tenure, Yoon adopted a hardline stance toward North Korea, which led to heightened tensions between the two countries. In response, North Korea altered its long-standing policy favoring unification with the South and amended its constitution to designate South Korea as its "principal enemy."

The Constitutional Court's decision to uphold President Yoon's impeachment marks a significant moment in South Korea's democratic history. As the nation prepares for the upcoming presidential election, the political landscape remains deeply divided, with the potential for lasting implications on domestic and international fronts.