The streets surrounding South Korea’s constitutional court in Seoul have transformed into the epicenter of the region’s tensions and political confrontations as the court prepares to deliver a verdict on whether to reinstate suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol or uphold his impeachment. The decision is poised to heavily influence South Korea’s political landscape.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law sparked the country’s most severe political crisis in recent decades. The constitutional court is set to rule whether to sustain the impeachment of Yoon, who could either make an unprecedented political comeback or join the ranks of South Korean leaders who have tested the country’s democratic foundations.
In anticipation of the verdict, a massive and visible police presence has been mobilized, with over 14,000 officers to secure the area. DemStore actions have been curbed, with restrictions that prohibit demonstrations, including imposing a 100-meter “vacuum state” around the court and closing ancient palaces in the area to prevent any kind of public gathering.
The current uncertainty follows Yoon’s attempt in December to suspend democracy by deploying troops to the national assembly on claims of countering “anti-state forces” and investigating alleged election fraud — a move that lasted only hours but was seen as a power grab. If the court rules against Yoon, it could exacerbate the perception of turmoil and challenge the democratic traditions of South Korea.
In addition to the impeachment trial, Yoon is also facing a criminal trial where he is accused of inciting an insurrection, which could carry severe penalties. Pro-Yoon protests and counter-demonstrations have further heightened the tensions, with both sides vying for the court’s attention and demonstrating their resolve. With the case sparking widespread discontent and the police preemptively enabling a robust security operation, the ruling could have broad repercussions on the stability and governance of the nation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/03/south-korea-president-yoon-impeachment-ruling
