The Constitutional Court in Seoul upheld the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, officially removing him from office due to his mishandling of the imposition of martial law. This decision sets the stage for a new presidential election in South Korea.
President Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment trial have caused significant divisions within South Korea, a key U.S. ally known for its robust democracy. Demonstrations both in support of and against the conservative leader’s removal from office have been frequent, with heightened security measures put in place around the courthouse in anticipation of potential violence.
The political turmoil has had broader implications for South Korea, affecting its response to U.S. tariffs and the evolving military relationships with North Korea and Russia.
In a unanimous decision, the eight judges on the Constitutional Court found President Yoon guilty on all charges, leading to his removal from office. A new election to select Yoon’s successor must now take place within 60 days. Yoon, who was not present in court during the ruling, will now face a separate criminal trial on charges of insurrection.
The crisis began in December when President Yoon imposed martial law, alleging threats from “anti-state forces” and accusing the opposition-controlled parliament of obstructing the government. The court deemed Yoon’s actions illegal, particularly his deployment of troops to the National Assembly to enforce his order.
While President Yoon is not the first South Korean leader to face impeachment, he became the first sitting president to be arrested on charges of insurrection. After spending nearly two months in detention, he was released last month pending the impeachment ruling.
As the country navigates this period of transition, South Koreans express a range of opinions on the political developments, underscoring the significance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.”
On Tuesday, Yoon’s two trials, along with charges and impeachment proceedings against several other officials, have intensified the divide between South Korean liberals and conservatives. Yoon’s conservative backers have rallied around his claims of election fraud, alleging unfair treatment and echoing Trump-inspired slogans like “Stop the Steal.” Meanwhile, some liberal politicians are pushing for the removal of judges who rule against impeachment. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, noted a national weariness from prolonged political maneuvering, media speculation, and public protests during the protracted legal process.
Ahead of expected nationwide demonstrations on Friday, around 20,000 police officers were set to be mobilized, with the U.S. Embassy in Seoul cautioning American citizens about potential unrest and increased police presence. Yoon’s reinstatement appeared more probable following the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to overturn the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on procedural grounds. After briefly serving as acting president in Yoon’s absence, Han was impeached himself within two weeks but swiftly resumed his acting presidency after the court ruling.
In response to the verdict, Han emphasized the need for strong security measures and pledged to address pressing issues like the ongoing trade war. Easley highlighted the likelihood of heightened political tensions as the shortened presidential campaign progresses, but he expressed optimism that South Korea has navigated through its political crisis towards a brighter future.
