‘Grave negative impact’: South Korea’s court ousts President Yoon from office, upholds impeachment over martial law
South Korea’s Constitutional Court Friday removed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. The verdict also upheld the National Assembly’s impeachment vote in December as his martial law declaration had “grave negative impact” on the constitutional order.
In a nationally televised judgement, at least six out of eight justices ruled in favour of Yoon’s removal.
“Given the grave negative impact on constitutional order and the significant ripple effects of the defendant’s violations, we find that the benefits of upholding the constitution by removing the defendant from office far outweigh the national losses from the removal of a president,” the court’s acting chief Moon Hyung-bae said.
The ruling ends his tumultuous presidency four months after he threw South Korean politics into turmoil and necessitates a new presidential election within two months.
“The defendant not only declared martial law, but also violated the constitution and laws by mobilising military and police forces to obstruct the exercise of legislative authority. Ultimately, the declaration of martial law in this case violated the substantive requirements for emergency martial law,” the justice added.
The move is expected to reshape South Korea’s political landscape, particularly as his supporters continue to rally behind him.Meanwhile, the military has heightened its surveillance, raising concerns over potential unrest.
South Korea’s interim leader urged the nation on Wednesday to remain calm and accept the Constitutional Court’s impending ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
During a ministerial meeting focused on safety before the landmark decision, acting President Han Duck-soo stressed the importance of maintaining order and urged politicians to avoid statements that could provoke unrest. “The government will not tolerate any illegal or violent acts. No matter what decision is made, we must accept the results calmly based on the rule of law,” Han stated.
“If we can become one again with your strength and wisdom, we can overcome this crisis of confusion and conflicts,” he added.
What led to Yoon’s impeachment?
Yoon’s impeachment originated from a political crisis sparked by his declaration of martial law on 3 December 2024.
Amid a fierce legislative deadlock with the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Yoon deployed hundreds of military troops and police officers to government sites, including the National Assembly and election offices. He defended the move as a necessary measure to restore order and expose what he described as the opposition’s “wickedness” in obstructing governance.
However, opposition leaders and legal experts condemned the move as an unconstitutional power grab, accusing Yoon of attempting to suppress democracy and unlawfully detain lawmakers. His martial law order lasted only six hours before the legislature swiftly voted to revoke it, but the consequences were immediate.
By the end of December, the National Assembly formally impeached Yoon, resulting in an automatic suspension of his presidential powers as the Constitutional Court reviewed the case.
The impeachment motion charged Yoon with violating the constitution, obstructing legislative functions, and undermining democratic institutions. Millions took to the streets—some in support of Yoon, while others demanded his permanent removal.
How the public reacted?
The ruling has triggered intense reactions on both sides. Thousands of Yoon’s supporters and opponents gathered in downtown Seoul in anticipation of the verdict. The government deployed hundreds of police buses, barricades, and officers to prevent potential clashes.
At a large anti-Yoon demonstration, protesters cheered and waved banners backing opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, while others watched the court proceedings on a giant screen, documenting the moment on their phones.
