South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol ousted after court upholds impeachment

Department of Research, Studies and International News 04-04-2025

In a historic ruling, South Korea’s Constitutional Court has upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, permanently removing him from office. The decision follows months of political turmoil sparked by Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law last December.

After weeks of deliberation, all eight justices of the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled in favor of Yoon’s impeachment, concluding that his actions constituted a serious breach of democratic principles. The ruling affirmed that Yoon had overstepped his constitutional authority, jeopardizing South Korea’s stability and governance.

With Yoon’s removal, acting President Han Duck-soo will continue leading the country until a new president is elected within 60 days. Han assured the public that national security, diplomacy, and governance would remain stable during the transition.

“I will uphold the will of the people and ensure a smooth electoral process in accordance with the constitution,” Han stated in a televised address.

Yoon’s Response and Public Reactions

Following his dismissal, Yoon issued a written statement to the nation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president.

“It was an honor to lead this great nation,” he wrote. “I deeply appreciate those who stood by me despite my shortcomings. I regret not meeting the expectations of the people, and I will always pray for the Republic of Korea.”

While many South Koreans celebrated the court’s decision, Yoon’s supporters reacted with anger. Some reportedly clashed with police and vandalized law enforcement vehicles outside the courthouse.

The Court’s Justification

During the live broadcast of the ruling, Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae emphasized the gravity of Yoon’s violations. He stated that Yoon’s decision to impose martial law was unconstitutional and had plunged the country into political, economic, and diplomatic turmoil.

“President Yoon has gravely betrayed the trust of the people, who are the foundation of our democratic republic,” Moon declared. “By unilaterally declaring martial law and mobilizing security forces to obstruct legislative functions, he violated constitutional principles.”

Moon further noted that Yoon’s actions had created an unprecedented crisis, requiring his immediate removal to safeguard South Korea’s democratic order.

“In weighing the costs of a presidential removal against the need to uphold constitutional integrity, the court finds that ensuring democratic stability takes precedence,” he added.

With no option to appeal the court’s decision, Yoon must now prepare for a separate criminal trial related to his martial law decree. He faces charges of insurrection, which could lead to severe legal consequences, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though South Korea has not carried out executions since the late 1990s.

Despite the ruling, Yoon’s legal team fiercely criticized the decision. His lawyer, Yoon Kap-keun, called the judgment “incomprehensible” and claimed it was politically motivated rather than based on legal reasoning.

Political and Social Fallout

Yoon’s impeachment has exposed deep political divisions within South Korea. While his opponents view his removal as a victory for democracy, his supporters argue that the impeachment process was flawed and driven by political bias.

A recent Gallup Korea poll revealed that 60% of South Koreans supported Yoon’s permanent removal, highlighting widespread discontent with his leadership. Critics accused him of abusing his executive powers and attempting to undermine democratic institutions.

The impeachment proceedings began in mid-December after Yoon declared martial law, claiming it was necessary to prevent “anti-state forces” from destabilizing the country. However, lawmakers swiftly rejected the move, forcing him to revoke the order within hours. His opponents viewed the decree as an attempt to suppress opposition and consolidate power, reminiscent of South Korea’s authoritarian past.

Second Presidential Impeachment in South Korean History

Yoon is now the second South Korean president to be impeached and removed from office, following Park Geun-hye’s ousting in 2017 over a corruption scandal. His removal underscores the country’s commitment to democratic accountability and legal oversight.

As South Korea prepares for a new election, the nation remains on edge, with both Yoon’s opponents and supporters deeply invested in the country’s political future. The coming months will determine how South Korea moves forward from one of the most contentious chapters in its recent history.