Fri Apr 04 02:26:57 UTC 2025: **South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol Ousted After Constitutional Court Rules Martial Law Declaration Unconstitutional**
Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously removed President Yoon Suk-yeol from office on Friday, April 4th, 2025, for his unlawful declaration of martial law last December. The court ruled that Yoon’s actions, which included deploying troops in the capital and attempting to dismantle constitutional institutions, violated the fundamental rights of the people and constituted a betrayal of his constitutional duty.
Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stated that Yoon’s justifications for declaring martial law – claims of anti-state and North Korean infiltration – were unfounded. Testimony from senior military and police officials confirmed that Yoon’s orders targeted rival politicians and aimed to prevent the National Assembly from overriding his martial law decree.
The National Assembly had previously impeached Yoon on December 14th, 2024. The Constitutional Court’s decision formally expels him from office. Yoon released a statement accepting the verdict and expressing regret.
The opposition Democratic Party hailed the verdict as a “people’s victory,” while Yoon’s ruling People Power Party said it would “humbly accept” the ruling. Celebratory protests erupted outside the courthouse following the announcement.
A presidential election must be held within 60 days. Acting President Han Duck-soo will serve until then. Heavy security measures remain in place in Seoul, reflecting concerns about potential unrest following the highly charged political climate. The event evoked memories of the 2017 impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, which also resulted in significant protests and violence. Many South Koreans expressed relief that the political turmoil is finally over, hoping for a return to stability.
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