South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been ousted from office after the country’s constitutional court backed a parliamentary decision to impeach him due to his attempt to impose martial law in December. The court’s ruling, with unanimous support from all eight justices, comes after weeks of deliberations and mounting concerns about South Korea’s democracy. This decision ensures that Acting President Han Duck-soo will maintain control until new elections are held within 60 days, where he has pledged to keep the nation secure and the transition to the new administration smooth.

Protesters who oppose Yoon rejoiced at the outcome, while some of his supporters reportedly vandalized police vehicles in response to the decision. The court’s conclusion was broadcast live, revealing that Yoon had violated his presidential duties by implementing measures beyond his constitutional authority, thereby significantly undermining democracy. He is now set to face a criminal trial tied to the martial law declaration, potentially leading to severe penalties.

While Yoon’s ruling party has accepted the court’s decision, some of his lawyers argue that the process was unlawful and insist that he should retain his office. Despite deep societal divisions and international concerns sparked by Yoon’s decree, this marks the second instance of a South Korean president being impeached, following Park Geun-hye in 2017.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/04/south-korea-president-yoon-suk-yeol-impeachment-verdict-results-removal