Yoon Suk Yeol Impeached: A Historic Turning Point in South Korea
1. Historic Ruling by the Constitutional Court
On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court of South Korea unanimously upheld the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. As a result, Yoon was immediately removed from office, becoming the second president in South Korean history to be impeached. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stated during the ruling, “Even if declaring martial law is a matter of high political discretion, its compliance with the law can be reviewed,” affirming the legitimacy of the National Assembly’s impeachment process. Yoon’s claim of a “warning-style martial law” was rejected due to its lack of legal grounding, reflecting a stern judgment on actions that violated the Constitution and statutes.
2. Grounds for Impeachment and Legal Verdict
The basis for Yoon’s impeachment was distilled into five key issues: violation of martial law declaration requirements, the illegality of the martial law decree, attempts to obstruct the National Assembly using military and police forces, orders to arrest political figures, and efforts to control the National Election Commission. Moon emphasized, “Martial law requires a state of war or a comparable national emergency,” dismissing Yoon’s argument that the opposition’s dominance in the Assembly or its impeachment push justified such measures. Deploying troops to the National Assembly was deemed a breach of the military’s political neutrality, while the unauthorized search and seizure at the Election Commission violated principles of judicial warrants and the agency’s independence. With the unanimous consent of the justices, the court declared, “President Yoon Suk Yeol is hereby removed from office.”
3. Diverging Political Reactions
The political response to the ruling was sharply divided. Chung Chung-rae, the Assembly’s impeachment leader and Judiciary Committee chair, hailed it as “a victory for the Constitution, democracy, and the people,” expressing gratitude to both the court and the public. In contrast, Yoon’s representative, Yoon Kap-keun, lamented the decision as “a tragic outcome where an unavoidable presidential action was sidelined for political reasons.” The ruling People Power Party, through Emergency Committee Chair Kwon Young-se, acknowledged the ruling with a heavy heart, stating, “We humbly accept it and apologize to the people,” underscoring respect for democratic principles. The Democratic Party celebrated it as “a historic day of safeguarding democracy against forces that undermined the Constitution,” urging Yoon and his party to take responsibility. With his removal, Yoon must soon vacate the presidential residence in Hannam-dong and relocate to a private home, plunging the political landscape into turmoil.
4. Early Election and Political Outlook
Under Article 68, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 60 days of a vacancy, setting the deadline for June 3. The Democratic Party is poised to shift into early election mode, aiming to rally public support. Meanwhile, the People Power Party, lacking a clear presidential contender during Yoon’s suspension, faces potential internal disarray. Speculation within the ruling party suggests debates over leadership and candidacy will intensify. This election transcends a mere change of power, serving as a critical juncture for constitutional stability, power distribution, and the expression of public will. The People Power Party will strive to minimize governmental disruption and counter the opposition’s momentum, while the Democratic Party seeks to position itself as the champion of overcoming national crises. In 2025, South Korea stands at the threshold of a transformative political chapter.