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3w ago

South Korea's Constitutional Court Removes President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Declaration

The unanimous ruling upholds Yoon's impeachment, triggers a presidential election within 60 days, and underscores deep political divisions in the country.

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Police officers stand guard as protesters prepare to march toward the Constitutional Court during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the 14th-century Gyeongbok Palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
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Demonstrators stand in front of a banner with the photograph of Yoon Suk Yeol as people wait for the Constitutional Court ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, near his residence in Seoul, South Korea, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

Overview

  • The Constitutional Court voted 8-0 to uphold Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, citing grave violations of constitutional duties and democratic principles.
  • Yoon's December 3 martial law declaration, which lasted six hours, involved deploying troops to suppress parliamentary activities and was deemed unconstitutional.
  • Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president until a new leader is elected within 60 days, as mandated by South Korea's constitution.
  • Public opinion strongly favored Yoon's removal, with polls showing a majority of South Koreans supporting the impeachment decision.
  • Yoon faces a separate criminal trial for insurrection, set to begin on April 14, as the nation grapples with heightened political polarization and ongoing protests.