Overview

• South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing his unconstitutional martial law declaration on December 3, 2024.
• Yoon's actions were deemed a grave violation of constitutional order and human rights, leading to his immediate removal from office.
• Acting President Han Duck-soo will oversee the leadership transition, with a presidential election required within 60 days, likely by early June.
• Yoon faces a separate criminal trial for insurrection charges beginning April 14, with potential penalties including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• The impeachment has deepened societal divisions, with rival protests reflecting political polarization, though public opinion largely supported Yoon's removal.