South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Removed from Office Following Unanimous Constitutional Court Ruling

South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Friday unanimously upheld the National Assembly’s decision to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, formally removing him from office over his controversial declaration of martial law in December. The landmark ruling ends Yoon’s turbulent presidency and signals a pivotal moment for South Korea’s democracy.

All eight justices voted in favor of Yoon’s dismissal, citing his violation of constitutional limits and abuse of presidential authority. The decision, broadcast live, was delivered by Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae, who stated that Yoon had “committed a grave betrayal of the trust of the people” and posed “a serious challenge to democracy.”

“By mobilizing military and police forces to obstruct the exercise of legislative authority, the respondent gravely violated the constitution,” Moon said. “The benefits of upholding the constitution by removing the defendant from office far outweigh the national losses from the removal of a president.”

Yoon, who was not present in court, becomes only the second South Korean president in history to be ousted through impeachment, following Park Geun-hye’s removal in 2017.

Following the ruling, Acting President Han Duck-soo reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining national stability. “Respecting the will of our sovereign people, I will do my utmost to manage the next presidential election in accordance with the constitution and the law, ensuring a smooth transition to the next administration,” Han said in a televised address. South Korea is constitutionally mandated to hold a presidential election within 60 days.

In a written message addressed to the public, Yoon expressed remorse: “It has been a great honour to serve as president. I am very sorry and regretful that I could not live up to your expectations. I will always pray for our beloved Republic of Korea and its citizens.”

The decision sparked mixed reactions across the country. Outside the court, anti-Yoon demonstrators erupted in tears and celebration, while media reports noted sporadic violence from pro-Yoon supporters, including damage to police vehicles. A heavy police presence—reportedly numbering 14,000 officers—was deployed across Seoul to prevent unrest regardless of the court’s decision.

Yoon now faces a separate criminal trial on charges of insurrection related to his brief imposition of martial law. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty, although South Korea has not carried out an execution since the 1990s.

The December martial law declaration—made in the middle of the night—triggered a national and international outcry. Yoon claimed the move was necessary to prevent what he described as “anti-state” elements with North Korean sympathies from destabilizing the country. However, lawmakers swiftly defied efforts by security forces to seal off parliament and voted to reject the edict within hours. Yoon rescinded the order just six hours after it was imposed, maintaining that it was never intended to be fully enforced.

Critics saw the move as a deliberate attempt to undermine South Korea’s democratic institutions and return the country to its authoritarian past. A Gallup Korea poll released last week indicated that 60% of South Koreans believed Yoon should be permanently removed from office.

Yoon’s political party, People Power, issued a measured response following the court’s decision. “It is regrettable, but the People Power Party solemnly accepts and humbly respects the Constitutional Court’s decision,” said lawmaker Kwon Young-se. “We extend our sincere apologies to the people.”

However, Yoon’s legal team remained defiant. Attorney Yoon Kap-keun condemned the verdict as “completely incomprehensible” and a “purely political decision.”

The impeachment has exposed deep ideological divides within South Korean society and alarmed international allies, including the United States, who have closely monitored the country’s democratic stability.

As the nation prepares for new elections, South Korea faces a period of political transition and reflection on the institutional safeguards that underpin its young but resilient democracy.