On April 4, 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office. The decision follows Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024, which the court ruled as a serious violation of the constitution.
In that December action, Yoon cited threats from North Korea and political gridlock at home as justification for imposing martial law. He deployed military forces to block parliamentary sessions, triggering mass protests and swift legislative action that led to his impeachment.
With the court’s ruling, South Korea must hold a new presidential election within 60 days. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will act as president until a new leader is chosen. Opposition figure Lee Jae-myung has emerged as a top contender, though ongoing legal battles may influence his campaign.
Yoon now faces criminal charges, including insurrection. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty. His trial is set to begin on April 14.
This landmark ruling has deepened political divisions in South Korea, sparking demonstrations by both supporters and critics of the former president as the country braces for a critical election.
