In a stunning and historic decision, South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously ruled to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office for abusing his executive powers, making him the first leader in the country’s modern democratic era to be ousted while facing criminal charges.
The decision, delivered by Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae, centered on Yoon’s unilateral declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024—a move the court deemed a gross violation of democratic norms and constitutional boundaries. Although the decree lasted only six hours before it was revoked amid widespread public outrage and opposition from within the government, its implications were deemed severe enough to warrant impeachment and removal.
“Betrayed the Trust of the People”
In a nationally televised statement, Chief Justice Moon condemned Yoon’s actions as “a betrayal of the trust of the people and a dangerous overreach of executive power.” The court emphasized that there was no clear or present danger to national security that could justify such a drastic measure.
Yoon’s short-lived imposition of martial law included orders for military presence in key urban areas and the suspension of media broadcasts, triggering protests across Seoul and other major cities. Political analysts have compared the moment to South Korea’s authoritarian past, warning that it nearly reversed decades of democratic progress.
Power Transition and Political Fallout
Following the ruling, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of Acting President until a new leader is elected. According to South Korean law, a national presidential election must be held within 60 days of a presidential vacancy.
The removal of Yoon has deepened political fault lines in the country. While conservative supporters argue that his declaration was a temporary measure to prevent civil unrest amid economic protests, opposition parties and civil rights groups maintain that it was an unconstitutional power grab.
Criminal Charges Loom
In addition to impeachment, President Yoon now faces serious legal jeopardy. Prosecutors have confirmed that he has been indicted on charges of insurrection, abuse of power, and violation of democratic civil liberties. Legal experts say the charges could carry significant prison time if he is convicted.
Yoon has denied wrongdoing and released a short statement from his residence, calling the ruling “politically motivated” and pledging to “fight until the truth comes out.” However, public sentiment has largely turned against him, and multiple lawmakers from his own party have distanced themselves from his administration in recent days.
Race to Replace Yoon
With the clock ticking toward a new presidential election, the political scene is shifting rapidly. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party and Yoon’s former rival in the 2022 election, currently leads in public opinion polls with 34% support. Lee, a progressive known for his populist economic policies, has already begun mobilizing his campaign apparatus, calling for national unity and a return to democratic stability.
Other potential contenders include Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, though their support remains in the single digits as of the latest surveys.
International and Economic Reactions
Global reactions to Yoon’s removal have been largely supportive of the court’s decision, with international observers praising South Korea’s democratic institutions for upholding the rule of law. The United Nations issued a statement encouraging a peaceful and transparent transition.
Markets initially dipped on news of the constitutional crisis in December but have since stabilized amid confidence in South Korea’s institutional resilience. However, the Korean won weakened slightly following the announcement of criminal charges, as investors brace for possible political volatility leading up to the election.
What’s Next?
South Korea now faces a critical test of its democratic foundations. As the country prepares for a fresh election within the next two months, citizens, businesses, and foreign partners will be watching closely to see whether the nation can turn the page on one of the most turbulent chapters in its postwar history.
One thing is clear: the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol marks a dramatic shift in South Korea’s political landscape, reaffirming that no leader is above the law in the Republic of Korea.
