South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Removed from Office Following Constitutional Court Ruling

In a landmark decision on April 4, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, effectively removing him from office. This ruling follows Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, and sets the stage for a snap presidential election scheduled for June 3, 2025.

The court's decision underscores the resilience of South Korea's democratic institutions in addressing constitutional violations at the highest level of government. With Yoon's removal, the nation now faces a pivotal election that will determine its political trajectory amid ongoing legal proceedings against the former president.

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing threats from "anti-state forces," a move unprecedented in over four decades. The National Assembly responded by impeaching Yoon on December 14, 2024, with a vote of 204 in favor out of 300 members. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president following the impeachment.

On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment in an 8–0 decision, citing serious constitutional violations, including the illegal imposition of martial law and obstruction of legislative processes. The court emphasized that Yoon's actions violated judicial independence and infringed upon political freedoms and constitutional order.

Yoon now faces a trial for insurrection, scheduled to begin on April 14, 2025, with potential penalties including life imprisonment or the death penalty. A snap presidential election is scheduled for June 3, 2025, to elect Yoon's successor.

Several prominent figures have declared their candidacy for the upcoming election:

• Lee Jae-myung: Leader of the Democratic Party and former presidential candidate, announced his bid on April 10, 2025, pledging to address economic inequality and political polarization.

• Han Dong-hoon: Former leader of the ruling People Power Party, declared his candidacy on April 10, 2025, positioning himself as a centrist opposed to martial law.

• Oh Se-hoon: Mayor of Seoul, expected to announce his candidacy on April 13, 2025.

The impeachment and removal of President Yoon have profound implications for South Korean society:

• Public Trust in Institutions: The court's decision reinforces the principle that no individual is above the law, potentially restoring public confidence in the judiciary and legislative bodies.

• Political Polarization: The circumstances surrounding Yoon's impeachment have deepened political divisions, with the upcoming election presenting an opportunity for political reconciliation or further entrenchment of these divisions.

• International Relations: South Korea's political stability is crucial for its international relationships, particularly with allies such as the United States and Japan.

This is the second time a South Korean president has been removed from office through impeachment, following the 2017 removal of President Park Geun-hye.

The Constitutional Court's decision marks a significant moment in South Korea's democratic history, highlighting the strength of its institutions in upholding constitutional order. As the nation prepares for the upcoming election, the political landscape remains dynamic, with candidates positioning themselves to address the challenges and divisions that have emerged from this unprecedented event.