South Korea Removes President Yoon from Power Following Court Verdict

President Yoon removed from office by Constitutional Court on Friday

South Korea Removes President Yoon from Power Following Court Verdict

Historic impeachment upheld over martial law declaration; acting president steps in as nation prepares for a high-stakes election.

KEY FACTS

• President Yoon removed from office by Constitutional Court on Friday

• Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumes role as acting president

• Presidential election likely to take place on June 3

SITUATION SNAPSHOT

A seismic ruling by South Korea’s highest court has ended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s tenure after months of political chaos. The court’s decision, broadcast nationwide, reverberated across the capital as supporters and opponents of Yoon reacted in real time—some with celebration, others in disbelief.

WHAT WE KNOW

• The Constitutional Court voted unanimously to affirm Yoon’s impeachment for exceeding his constitutional authority by imposing martial law on December 3.

• Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae declared that Yoon’s actions represented "a serious challenge to democracy" and a betrayal of public trust.

• Parliament must now organize a national election within 60 days, as mandated by the constitution.

• The election commission and acting President Han are discussing June 3 as a possible date.

• The ruling also accelerates legal proceedings against Yoon, who is facing a criminal trial for insurrection.

• The South Korean won surged up to 1.6% on the news, while the KOSPI index ended the day slightly lower.

WHAT’S NEXT
The country enters a transition period under acting President Han Duck-soo. Key priorities include preparing for the election, stabilizing the economy, and responding to rising U.S. trade tariffs. Presidential candidate registration has opened, with former rival Lee Jae-myung leading the field despite ongoing legal challenges. Meanwhile, Yoon’s criminal trial begins oral arguments on April 14.

VOICES ON THE GROUND
"This took a long time but it's fortunate that it is a sensible outcome," said Kim Han-sol, a university student attending a pro-impeachment rally.
"This can only be seen as a political decision," Yoon Kab-keun, one of Yoon's attorneys, told reporters.
"I am so sorry and regretful that I wasn't able to live up to your expectations," Yoon said through a written message.
"The Constitutional Court's unanimous ruling has removed a major source of uncertainty," said Professor Leif-Eric Easley from Ewha University.

CONTEXT
Yoon’s presidency collapsed amid outrage over his abrupt martial law order, which he justified as a response to alleged abuses by the opposition-led parliament. The controversial move triggered massive protests and legal scrutiny. Although the decree was revoked hours later, after a dramatic standoff involving military forces at the National Assembly, the damage was done. His impeachment marked the first time a South Korean president has been forcibly removed for deploying the military against civilian lawmakers.

REPORTER INSIGHT
Reporting from outside the courthouse, the tension in the air was undeniable. As the verdict echoed through loudspeakers, the division in public emotion was stark—jubilant chants on one side, stunned silence on the other. With the election clock ticking, South Korea is bracing for a new chapter amid political uncertainty and mounting global challenges.