The Constitutional Court in Seoul removed President Yoon Suk-yeol from office on Friday. The eight-judge panel ruled that Yoon abused martial law powers in December. The court stated that Yoon broke constitutional limits and violated basic rights.
Judges unanimously held that Yoon’s martial law order overstepped his authority. They said Yoon misused troops and disrupted parliamentary operations. The court declared his impeachment valid. Court President Moon Hyung-bae said the order did not meet national emergency criteria.
President Yoon claimed he was innocent of all charges. Under South Korean law, the court must remove Yoon and hold new presidential elections within 60 days. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president until the election.
This ruling ends a four-month constitutional crisis that rocked South Korea. The crisis began on December 3, when Yoon declared martial law to combat alleged anti-state forces. Yoon sent troops into parliament to control civilian rule. The decision sparked fierce opposition and impeachment proceedings in the National Assembly.
Yoon’s martial law declaration was South Korea’s first in 45 years. Lawmakers and citizens condemned his actions and demanded adherence to the Constitution. The court maintained that Yoon’s decision endangered democracy and public order.
Protests erupted outside the court during the ruling announcement. Authorities set up a 150-meter security zone and deployed riot police to maintain order. Public interest surged, and the court offered 20 seats for citizens. However, thousands applied to attend the hearing.
The case further strained political relations in South Korea. Opposition lawmakers had long clashed with Yoon over budget cuts and governance disputes. The court’s decision now forces the government to restore constitutional order. Analysts say this ruling will have a lasting impact on South Korean politics.
The court’s verdict marks a critical juncture in South Korea’s democratic journey. The removal of President Yoon underscores the power of the Constitution and the court in safeguarding the nation’s democracy.
