South Korea’s President Ousted After Martial Law Controversy

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has unanimously ruled to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office, citing his unconstitutional declaration of martial law last year.

Delivering the verdict on Friday morning, Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae rejected Yoon’s justifications for imposing military rule in December, stating that he had exceeded his authority by deploying troops in the capital.

“The president misused military and police forces to undermine constitutional institutions and violate citizens’ fundamental rights. In doing so, he abandoned his duty to uphold the Constitution and betrayed public trust,” Moon declared.

The court emphasized that Yoon’s actions had severe consequences and that his removal was necessary to restore constitutional order.

Yoon’s martial law order, issued on December 3, was justified by claims that anti-state and North Korean elements had infiltrated the government. However, testimony from senior officials revealed that he had instructed security forces to detain political opponents and prevent the National Assembly from overturning his directive.

The National Assembly impeached Yoon on December 14, but final approval from the Constitutional Court was required for his removal. With his dismissal, South Korea now has 60 days to organize a presidential election. Until then, Acting President Han Duck-soo will oversee the government.

The ruling sparked celebration among Yoon’s critics outside the courthouse, while his supporters, mostly older citizens, expressed quiet discontent, with some alleging corruption and election rigging. The case has deeply divided the nation, leading to mass protests both in support of and against Yoon. Interest in the trial was so high that over 96,000 people applied for just 20 public courtroom seats.