South Korea Officially Removes President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Crisis

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has formally removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, marking the culmination of a tumultuous political crisis that began with his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.

The unanimous ruling on Friday upheld the impeachment vote passed by the National Assembly four months ago, effectively ending Yoon’s presidency and paving the way for a snap election within 60 days to elect his successor.

The court’s eight justices unanimously agreed that Yoon violated constitutional norms and undermined democratic principles by deploying troops to suppress parliamentary activities.

Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stated that Yoon had “betrayed public trust” and “damaged citizens' political rights,” emphasizing that the martial law declaration was unconstitutional as no legitimate national emergency justified such drastic measures.

The ruling also criticized Yoon for exceeding his authority as commander-in-chief by ordering soldiers to forcibly remove lawmakers opposing his decree.

The crisis began on December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law during a televised address, accusing opposition lawmakers of engaging in “anti-state activities” and collaborating with North Korea.

This unprecedented move suspended civilian laws, prohibited political gatherings, and restricted press freedoms. Within hours, the opposition-controlled National Assembly convened under extraordinary circumstances, passing a resolution to nullify the martial law order despite attempts by military forces to block their vote.

The decree was officially rescinded after six hours, but outrage over Yoon’s actions led to his impeachment on December 14.

Yoon defended his decision as necessary to protect South Korea’s constitutional order from perceived threats posed by North Korean sympathizers. However, testimony from senior military and police officials revealed that he had ordered them to arrest opposition politicians and obstruct legislative proceedings—a move widely condemned as an attempted self-coup.

The court’s decision sparked contrasting reactions across South Korea. Thousands gathered in central Seoul awaiting the verdict, with critics celebrating the ruling as a victory for democracy while supporters expressed anger and disbelief. The crisis has deepened political divisions in the country, with mass protests both for and against Yoon intensifying over recent months.

Internationally, the upheaval has raised concerns about stability in South Korea, a key U.S. ally and major global economy.

Analysts warn that prolonged political uncertainty could weaken democratic institutions and strain international relations at a critical time for regional security.

With Yoon’s removal now official, South Korea faces an urgent task of electing a new president within two months. Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party is currently leading opinion polls as the likely successor.

Meanwhile, Yoon awaits trial on charges of rebellion related to his martial law declaration—a crime that carries severe penalties including life imprisonment or even the death sentence if convicted.