South Korea: In a momentous ruling, South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously voted to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office, declaring his decision to impose martial law in December unconstitutional and unlawful abuse of power.
Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae, delivering the verdict, said Yoon had gravely betrayed the nation’s trust by deploying troops to suppress democratic institutions and fundamental rights.
“The defendant mobilized military and police forces to dismantle the authority of constitutional institutions. This conduct cannot be tolerated under the constitution, Moon said.” The court ruled that Yoon’s dismissal was necessary to restore constitutional order, with the benefits of removal outweighing the potential costs.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law was justified, he claimed, by alleged infiltration of government institutions by anti-state and North Korean elements.
However, testimony from top military and police officials revealed that he ordered the detention of rival lawmakers and attempted to halt a parliamentary vote against his rule.
The National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on December 14, pending the Constitutional Court’s ruling. Following Friday’s decision, Yoon accepted the outcome.
Under constitutional provisions, South Korea will hold a presidential election within 60 days. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has stepped in as acting president until a new leader is elected.
Security remained tight in Seoul, with 14,000 officers deployed and streets barricaded using tourist buses. Authorities were on high alert, mindful of the deadly unrest that followed the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017.
