South Korea’s President Has Been Officially Impeached For Declaring Martial Law By The Top Court
The constitutional court removed him from office for “grave betrayal of people’s trust” by declaring martial law and throwing the country into chaos.
South Korea's Constitutional Court has unanimously voted for President Yoon Suk Yeol to be impeached over his declaration of martial law, officially removing him from office.
South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach Yoon after he attempted to impose martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, to eliminate what he called “anti-state forces”.
His declaration, the first martial law declaration in more than 40 years, sparked widespread protests across the country.
Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended after lawmakers voted to impeach him, and prime minister Han Duck Soo became the acting president.
Lawmakers then voted to impeach Han as well, accusing him of delaying the process of impeaching Yoon.
Han was reinstated on March 24, when the constitutional court ruled seven to one to reverse his impeachment, keeping him as acting president.
After months of reviewing Yoon’s impeachment, on Friday, April 4, the constitutional court removed him from office for “grave betrayal of people’s trust” by declaring martial law and throwing the country into chaos.
The court said Yoon violated his duty as president by using powers beyond those given to him in the constitution, posing a serious threat to democracy.
After the ruling, Yoon said in a written message that he was "deeply sorry" and "regretful" for not meeting the expectations of the people and thanked those who supported him “despite his shortcomings”.
Celebrations erupted in Seoul as protesters welcomed Yoon’s removal, while his supporters gathered near his residence in tears, according to the Guardian.
A supporter of Yoon was arrested for breaking a police bus window near the court, Yonhap news agency reported.
Yoon's impeachment means Han will stay in charge of the office until a new leader is elected within 60 days.
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