South Korea’s Constitutional Court Ousts President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Controversy
SEOUL – On Friday, South Korea’s Constitutional Court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office following his failed attempt to declare martial law, which led to widespread protests across the nation last year.
Presidential Election to Be Held Within 60 Days
In line with the constitution, a presidential election must be held within 60 days of Yoon’s ousting. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president until a new leader is elected and assumes office.
Read More: Devastating Wildfires Claim 18 Lives in South Korea’s Southeastern Regions
Court’s Ruling and Remarks on Yoon’s Actions
Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae remarked that Yoon’s actions in declaring martial law on December 3 violated his presidential duties and constituted “a serious challenge to democracy.” The court rejected Yoon’s justification, which claimed the martial law declaration was made to alert the public about alleged abuses by the main opposition party in parliament.
Impeachment and Political Fallout
In December 2024, President Yoon was impeached by South Korea’s parliament after his martial law attempt sparked political unrest. The impeachment motion gained support even from some members of Yoon’s own People Power Party, allowing it to meet the two-thirds majority requirement, securing 204 votes in favor.
Yoon’s political troubles deepened after narrowly winning the last election, with the failed martial law attempt marking a significant turning point in his presidency. Despite defending his actions as being driven by patriotic motives, his defense failed to gain widespread support, and his presidency was marred by criticism of his judgment.
Yoon’s Political Rise and Controversies
Yoon initially gained national attention for his role in investigating President Park Geun-hye’s corruption, which fueled his rise in politics. His appeal to conservative voters, frustrated with the previous administration, helped him secure political success. However, his tenure has been overshadowed by several controversies, including the controversial decision to relocate the presidential office based on feng shui beliefs and his mishandling of the 2022 Halloween disaster response.
The impeachment and ouster of Yoon Suk Yeol mark a dramatic moment in South Korea’s political landscape, leaving the country in search of a new leader in the coming months.
