South Korean Constitutional Court Unanimously Removes President Yoon Suk Yeol Following Failed Martial Law Declaration

Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s Constitutional Court on April 4, 2025, unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, effectively removing him from office. This landmark decision came four months after Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law, an unprecedented move that plunged the nation into political turmoil. The court found that the president had gravely violated the constitution and betrayed public trust.

President Yoon Suk Yeol initially declared emergency martial law on December 3, 2024, at 10:30 p.m. KST, citing threats from "North Korean communist forces" and "anti-state elements," and accusing the opposition of creating a "legislative dictatorship." His decree immediately prohibited all political activities, including parliamentary operations and public gatherings, and placed media under martial law control. Armed soldiers were deployed to the National Assembly, attempting to enforce the new restrictions.

However, the National Assembly swiftly convened an emergency session, with 190 members unanimously voting to reject Yoon’s martial law declaration. Under Article 77 of the South Korean Constitution, the president is constitutionally obligated to comply with the National Assembly's request to lift martial law. Facing overwhelming opposition, President Yoon retracted the order just six hours later, at 4:30 a.m. KST on December 4, 2024.

The National Assembly subsequently voted to impeach President Yoon on December 14, 2024, initiating the formal process that required approval from the Constitutional Court. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stated that Yoon had mobilized military and police forces to dismantle constitutional institutions and infringed upon the fundamental rights of the people. The court emphasized that such conduct was intolerable under the constitution, noting the significant negative impact on constitutional order.

The court's verdict triggers a new presidential election within 60 days, with Acting President Han Duck-soo remaining in his position until a new leader is chosen. This event marks a critical moment for South Korean democracy, which transitioned from authoritarian rule in 1987 and has since grappled with a history of political upheaval and accountability for its leaders. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol is now expected to face criminal investigations, including charges of insurrection and abuse of power, from which he was immune while in office.