The Constitutional Court of the country has unanimously decided to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol due to his botched declaration of martial law. Consequently, this decision has led to the announcement of elections to be held by June, following months of political unrest.

Thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets to protest the court’s ruling, voicing their opposition to Yoon’s removal. The court’s decision on Friday has created heightened tensions in the nation, with far-right groups supporting Yoon and organizing weekly protests in the capital city of Seoul.

Following the ruling, a new presidential election must take place within 60 days, according to the constitution. In the interim, acting president Han Duck-soo will assume Yoon’s position. On Saturday, Yoon’s supporters defied the rain to demonstrate their support for him, chanting slogans against his impeachment and the upcoming snap election.

Yang Joo-young, a 26-year-old protester, expressed his disappointment and concern about the country’s democracy, stating that the court’s decision undermined their freedom.

Yoon had originally defended his martial law attempt as a necessary measure to combat “anti-state forces” and Alleged threats from North Korea. However, on Friday, he announced his acceptance of the court’s decision. He expressed gratitude to those who had supported him and acknowledged his shortcomings.

Despite scenes of jubilation in Seoul following the ruling, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is seen as a frontrunner in the upcoming election. His party has adopted a more conciliatory approach towards North Korea. However, some supporters of Yoon fear the prospect of a Lee presidency, with concerns about the potential transition into a socialist or communist state.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/5/thousands-hit-the-streets-for-south-koreas-impeached-ex-president-yoon?traffic_source=rss