In a landmark decision, South Korea's Constitutional Court has officially removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, concluding a tumultuous period marked by his controversial declaration of martial law. The court's ruling, delivered on April 4, 2025, upheld the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon, citing his unconstitutional actions that gravely undermined democratic principles.
The crisis began in December 2024 when President Yoon, facing intense legislative gridlock, unilaterally declared martial law and deployed military forces to the National Assembly. This unprecedented move was met with widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally, leading to swift impeachment proceedings by the legislature. The Constitutional Court's unanimous decision emphasized that Yoon's actions violated the Constitution and warranted his immediate removal from office.
Following the court's ruling, Prime Minister Han Kyung-hye has assumed the role of acting president. The government has announced that a presidential election will be held within 60 days to elect a new leader, as mandated by the Constitution. Political analysts predict a highly competitive race, with various parties seeking to restore public trust and address the political instability caused by the recent events.