South Korea court ousts President Yoon

South Korea's Constitutional Court Removes President Yoon Over Martial Law Crisis.

South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously voted to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, upholding parliament's impeachment motion related to his controversial imposition of martial law in December 2024. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae ruled that Yoon had violated his constitutional duties and "made a grave betrayal of the people's trust."

The crisis ignited when Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, citing threats from "anti-state forces." During the six-hour martial law period, he suspended the National Assembly, restricted press freedoms, and ordered military deployment to secure government facilities. This unprecedented action led the opposition-controlled National Assembly to vote 204-85 for impeachment on December 14, 2024.

Yoon, who began his presidency in 2022, had faced mounting political challenges, including legislative gridlock and personal scandals involving his wife, before taking this dramatic step. Following the court's decision, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president.

According to the constitution, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has emerged as a leading candidate, despite facing legal challenges of his own.

Yoon now confronts serious criminal charges, including insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or capital punishment. His removal marks the second time a South Korean president has been impeached, following Park Geun-hye's removal in 2017, highlighting the nation's ongoing political volatility.

The historic decision has sparked divided reactions across the country, with both celebrations and protests occurring in Seoul.