On Friday, South Korea’s Constitutional Court is set to rule on whether to validate the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. This decision comes months after his announcement of martial law caused turmoil within the nation.

The court will convene for a televised session at 11 a.m. (0200 GMT) to announce the verdict, deciding whether Yoon will resume his position or be permanently ousted from office. At least six out of the eight judges must vote in favor to uphold Yoon’s impeachment.

The impeachment was prompted by Yoon’s announcement of martial law in December, which led to the political chaos in the country. The opposition-led parliament voted to impeach Yoon mid-December, causing his suspension from office.

Yoon, aged 64, evaded arrest for two weeks, holing up at his presidential compound in central Seoul. He defended his brief imposition of martial law as a warning that the nation was facing an existential crisis.

In March, Seoul’s Central District Court annulled Yoon’s arrest warrant, questioning the timing of his indictment and the legality of the investigation, and released him from prison. Following his impeachment trial, if removed from office, South Korea will have to elect a new president within 60 days. Additionally, Yoon is undergoing a separate criminal trial related to insurrection charges tied to the declaration of martial law.

Edited by: Zac Crellin

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/south-korea-constitutional-court-to-rule-on-yoon-impeachment/a-72133609?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf