South Korea’s Top Court Confirms Yoon Suk Yeol’s Impeachment, Ending His Presidency

In a landmark decision, South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, formally removing him from office over his controversial imposition of martial law in December. The ruling, broadcast live by local media, marks the end of Yoon’s presidency and sets the stage for a snap election within the next 60 days, as mandated by the South Korean Constitution.

The court’s eight justices found Yoon guilty on all charges, determining that his brief declaration of martial law exceeded his constitutional authority and caused “serious damage” to the nation’s stability. The decision stemmed from events on December 3, when Yoon imposed martial law, a move that lasted only six hours before lawmakers overturned it. The National Assembly, led by the liberal opposition, impeached him on December 14, suspending his powers and triggering a months-long political crisis.

The court rejected Yoon’s defense that the martial law order was intended as a temporary measure to expose the “wickedness” of the opposition Democratic Party, which he accused of obstructing his agenda. Instead, the justices ruled that his actions violated constitutional norms and undermined the democratic process. Yoon’s legal team had argued the decree was not meant to be sustained, but the court dismissed this, emphasizing the gravity of deploying military forces against the legislature.

The ruling has thrust Prime Minister Han Duck-soo into the role of acting president until a new leader is elected. Han, who briefly served in the interim capacity after Yoon’s suspension, will oversee the transition period. The South Korean Constitution requires the presidential election to occur within two months of the court’s verdict, with polls suggesting Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung as a frontrunner.

Public reaction was swift and polarized. Outside the Constitutional Court in Seoul, Yoon’s critics erupted in celebration, with thousands chanting “we won”. Meanwhile, his supporters expressed dismay, reflecting the deep divisions that have gripped South Korea since the martial law episode. The crisis has drawn international attention, with AFP noting Lee Jae-myung’s accusation that Yoon “threatened democracy” with the military power entrusted to him by the public.

Yoon’s political party accepted the verdict, signaling no intent to challenge the court’s authority. However, the fallout from his presidency marked by his short-lived martial law decree and subsequent legal battles continues to reverberate. As South Korea prepares for its next chapter, the election will test the nation’s ability to heal its fractures and restore stability, with the world watching closely.