South Korea’s constitutional court has confirmed the dismissal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached in December after declaring martial law. His decision to send troops onto the streets led to the country’s worst political crisis in decades. The court ruled to uphold the impeachment, saying the conservative leader violated his duty as commander-in-chief by mobilizing troops when he declared martial law. The president was also accused of taking actions “beyond the powers provided in the constitution”. Supporters and opponents gathered in large numbers in central Seoul as they awaited the ruling. The 64-year-old President shocked MPs, the public, and international allies in early December when he declared martial law, meaning all existing laws regarding civilians were suspended and replaced by military law. His presidential powers were suspended when the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on 14 December, accusing him of rebellion. The court’s unanimous verdict to uphold parliament’s impeachment and remove Mr. Yoon from office required the support of at least six of the court’s eight justices. South Korea must hold a national election within two months to find a new leader. According to surveys, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, is considered the early favorite to become the country’s next president.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/court-confirms-sacking-of-south-korean-president-who-declared-martial-law-13341497