South Korea’s Constitutional Court upheld President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment on Friday, officially removing him from office over his controversial imposition of martial law last year. The court ruled that Yoon had “taken actions beyond his powers,” marking a historic decision in the country’s political landscape.
“We hereby pronounce the following ruling, with the unanimous agreement of all Justices: (We) dismiss respondent President Yoon Suk Yeol,” announced Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae.
The court further condemned Yoon’s actions, stating that he “did not merely declare martial law, but also engaged in unconstitutional acts, including mobilizing military and police forces to obstruct the National Assembly’s exercise of its authority.”
The ruling comes amid prolonged political turmoil that began in December, when Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops to parliament in what was widely seen as an attempt to undermine civilian governance. His order lasted only six hours before the opposition-led legislature swiftly nullified it. Later that month, lawmakers impeached Yoon, stripping him of his powers and referring his case to the Constitutional Court.
With the court’s decision now finalized, South Korea must hold a new presidential election within two months. Meanwhile, Yoon also faces a separate criminal trial on charges of alleged rebellion, adding further uncertainty to the nation’s political future.
