South Korea’s highest court has officially removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, marking the end of a long crisis triggered by his controversial martial law decree.
The ruling on Friday upheld Yoon’s impeachment, forcing him to vacate the presidential residence immediately and setting the stage for an election to replace him.
The Constitutional Court’s eight justices delivered a unanimous decision, citing Yoon’s unconstitutional actions when he sent troops to parliament in December.
Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stated that Yoon violated the process for declaring martial law, disregarded lawmakers’ rights, and failed in his duty as commander-in-chief.
Yoon’s declaration, which lasted only six hours, sparked chaos in the capital. Protesters rushed to parliament, where lawmakers fought their way in to vote against the decree. The move was widely condemned, with critics warning it echoed South Korea’s past authoritarian rule.
A criminal trial added to Yoon’s troubles, as he was arrested in January on insurrection charges before being released in March. Though he remains under investigation, the impeachment ruling removes him from power permanently, making him the second South Korean leader to be ousted by the court.
Following the verdict, Yoon expressed gratitude to his supporters and apologized for failing to meet their expectations. Outside the courthouse, his opponents erupted in celebrations, waving flags and dancing, while his conservative backers gathered quietly outside his residence.
Political tensions had been running high ahead of the ruling, with both pro- and anti-Yoon demonstrators taking to the streets. Security forces increased their presence in Seoul, erecting barriers and warning against violent protests. The ruling party announced it would respect the court’s decision and move forward.
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The dramatic downfall of the former prosecutor-turned-president mirrors his own role in the impeachment of ex-President Park Geun-hye. Yoon built his political career on prosecuting corruption but now finds himself facing similar consequences.
His late-night martial law decree in December stunned even his allies, as he claimed it was necessary due to political deadlock and threats from “anti-state forces.” The backlash was immediate, with lawmakers working through the night to block his order.
The crisis escalated as parliament also impeached the prime minister and acting president, leaving South Korea in a prolonged state of uncertainty. Now, the country must hold a general election within 60 days to choose a new leader.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in 2022, has emerged as a strong candidate. He pledged to restore stability and prevent such a crisis from happening again.
Acting President Han Duck-soo assured the nation that security and governance would be maintained. He vowed to oversee a fair election and uphold the democratic process.
Yoon’s fall from grace is a striking turn of events for a leader once celebrated on the global stage. His tenure, which began with strong ties to Washington, ended in controversy, legal battles, and the shortest presidency in South Korea’s democratic history.
Reported by CNN
