South Korea's Constitutional Court Boots Out Yoon Suk Yeol: New Elections in 60 Days
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President Yoon Suk-yeol has been ousted from office; fresh elections scheduled within two months - South Korean President Yoon has been removed from office, triggering new elections within two months.
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol has been given the boot after Parliament stripped him of power for declaring martial law. On Friday, the constitutional court of South Korea, with a unanimous vote, confirmed Yoon's impeachment. This means a new president must be elected within 60 days. Four months ago, Yoon plunged South Korea into a deep crisis by declaring martial law.
The Chief Justice, Moon Hyung Bae, warned of the "serious negative impacts and far-reaching consequences of the constitutional violations" committed by Yoon. His actions were found to have violated the "basic principles of the rule of law" and democratic governance. They also posed a "serious threat to the stability of the democratic republic," the judges ruled.
When Yoon sent soldiers to Parliament to prevent lawmakers from revoking his martial law decree, his actions "violated the political neutrality of the military," the judges stated. Yoon used the soldiers for "political purposes," they added. Yoon's "unconstitutional and illegal actions" betrayed the people's trust, they concluded, and amounted to a "serious breach of the law" intolerable in the name of constitutional protection.
A Historic Verdict for South Korea's Opposition
Yoon declared martial law on December 3 because of a budget dispute. Parliament in Seoul subsequently impeached Yoon, requiring confirmation from the constitutional court. The prosecution has since launched criminal investigations against Yoon for inciting rebellion.
Friday's ruling had police on high alert. Vehicles surrounded the courthouse, and special units were stationed nearby. Opposition lawmakers cheered as the "historic" ruling was given, while Yoon's party members left the courtroom.
Kim Min Ji, a 25-year-old protester, expressed her joy: "When the dismissal was announced, the cheers were so loud, it felt like the rally was being swept away! We cried tears of joy and shouted that we, the citizens, had won!"
While others celebrated, some Yoon supporters wept tears of sorrow and anger. They included right-wing YouTubers and individuals from religious circles who had gathered outside Yoon's residence. A Yoon supporter who attacked a police car with a stick was arrested, police reported.
A Sincere Apology from the Former President
Protests from supporters and opponents of the ousted president have been ongoing ahead of the ruling. At least two supporters had committed suicide in protest against Yoon's impeachment.
Shortly after the court's decision, Yoon issued a heartfelt apology to the public. "I am truly sorry," he said, “I cannot meet your expectations." Yoon's party also accepted the verdict, stating, "It is regrettable, but the PPP accepts and respects the decision of the Constitutional Court," said Representative Kwon Young Se.
Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung welcomed the court's decision. He accused Yoon of "destroying" the constitution, adding that he is favored to win in the upcoming elections according to polls. The snap election will now take place within 60 days, and a date will be announced in the coming days, with the vote likely to happen during the first week of June, according to South Korean media.
Legal Battle Awaits Yoon
Yoon's removal takes effect immediately. Military facilities across the country have removed portraits of the commander-in-chief from their offices, according to the Ministry of Defense. Yoon now faces a lengthy legal battle, as he could face charges of inciting rebellion and potentially face the death penalty if found guilty.
Yoon had claimed he needed to declare martial law to protect South Korea from communist forces in North Korea and eliminate "anti-state elements." He saw himself as a victim of "parliamentary dictatorship" during the crisis.
The declaration of martial law thrust South Korea into political turmoil. South Korea has experienced an airplane crash and the worst forest fires in its history, followed by newly imposed high tariffs by the U.S. government, during the four-month power vacuum that followed.
Yoon is the second president to be removed from office in South Korea. In 2017, the Constitutional Court ousted President Park Geun Hye due to a scandal involving cronyism.
- South Korea
- Constitutional Court
- Martial Law
- Snap Election
Interesting Fact: In 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office following his declaration of martial law. This decision marked only the second time a president had been impeached and dismissed in South Korea's history, setting a significant precedent for future administrations and their adherence to the democratic principles and rule of law.[1]
[1] Heo, M., & Kang, J. (2025, April 4). South Korea's Yoon Impeached by Constitutional Court. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-koreas-yoon-impeached-constitutional-court-2025-04-04/
- South Korea
- Political Crisis
- Martial Law Declaration
- Vote of Impeachment
- Legal Battle
- Snap Elections
- Criticism and Support
- Backstory: Previous Impeachment (2017)
- The interim president will be tasked with implementing community policies, especially focusing on vocational training, to help South Korea recover from the political crisis caused by Yoon Suk Yeol's unconstitutional declaration of martial law.
- Yoon Suk Yeol, formerly the president of South Korea, may face a lengthy legal battle after being removed from office, as he could be charged with inciting rebellion and potentially face the death penalty if found guilty.
- The opposition leader, Lee Jae Myung, welcomed the Constitutional Court's decision to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol and expressed his hope that the snap elections, scheduled to take place within 60 days, will bring about a change in government and democratic governance that upholds the rule of law.
