South Korean Court Removes Impeached President From Office Over Declaration Of Martial Law
A unanimous ruling by South Korea’s Constitutional Court has removed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, finalising his ousting on Friday.
His downfall follows the controversial declaration of martial law and the deployment of troops to parliament four months ago in an attempt to break legislative gridlock, CBS News reports.
The court’s decision comes over three months after the opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon.
South Korea must now hold a national election within two months to elect a new leader. Early polls suggest Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, is the frontrunner.
As news of the ruling spread, anti-Yoon protesters gathered near Seoul’s historic royal palace erupted in celebration. Two women hugged each other in tears while an elderly man jumped to his feet and screamed with joy.
Yoon’s downfall began on December 3 when he abruptly declared martial law and sent hundreds of soldiers and police officers to the National Assembly.
He claimed the move was necessary to maintain order, but senior military and police officials later testified that he had ordered them to remove lawmakers to block a vote on his decree forcibly.
Despite the military presence, legislators managed to convene and unanimously struck down his decree. The National Assembly then voted on December 14 to impeach him, citing constitutional violations, suppression of legislative activities, and attempts to detain politicians.
The impeachment has intensified political divisions across South Korea, sparking nationwide protests both for and against Yoon.
Analysts warn that his supporters may escalate demonstrations in response to the court’s verdict, prolonging unrest.
With Yoon officially removed, the nation faces a crucial political transition. The upcoming election will not only determine his successor but also shape South Korea’s political landscape after months of turmoil and unprecedented military involvement in civilian governance.
