South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Friday unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, removing him from office over his controversial attempt to impose martial law and deploy armed soldiers to parliament. The ruling triggers a fresh presidential election to be held within 60 days.
Yoon, 64, had been suspended by the National Assembly after the December 3 incident, which prosecutors say was an attempt to subvert civilian rule. He was also arrested on separate charges of insurrection. The court’s decision was broadcast live nationwide, with major platforms like KakaoTalk experiencing delays due to a spike in traffic.
Acting court president Moon Hyung-bae stated the President’s actions had a “serious negative impact” and amounted to a “betrayal of the people’s trust.”
In its ruling, the court said Yoon’s deployment of military forces for political purposes “violated the neutrality of the armed forces” and contravened the principles of democratic governance and rule of law.
Public reaction was immediate and emotional. Anti-Yoon demonstrators outside the court erupted in cheers, some weeping with relief. Meanwhile, Yoon’s supporters denounced the judges and clashed with police, prompting heightened security around the court.
Yoon issued a brief statement apologizing for failing to meet the public’s expectations.
This marks only the second time in South Korea’s history that a sitting president has been removed by the court, following the impeachment of Park Geun-hye in 2017. Analysts say the court’s decision reinforces the strength and resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
Following the ruling, the Korean won strengthened and the KOSPI index edged up, reflecting investor relief after months of political uncertainty.
Yoon’s portrait is set to be removed from military offices, and Acting President Han Duck-soo will remain in office until new elections are held. Yoon still faces trial on charges related to his martial law attempt.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik said the verdict reaffirmed that “no one in the Republic of Korea is above the law,” signaling a firm stance against unconstitutional acts by those in power.