South Korea’s top court has officially removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office after ruling unanimously in favor of his impeachment.
The court’s decision follows Yoon’s declaration of martial law and his deployment of soldiers to the National Assembly, which sparked outrage and accusations of undermining democracy.
The impeachment process began on December 3 when lawmakers suspended Yoon for ordering armed troops to block parliament from voting against his decree. He now also faces separate criminal charges related to insurrection.
Millions of South Koreans watched the court’s decision live. The huge number of viewers even caused delays on the country’s main messaging app, KakaoTalk. Announcing the ruling, acting court President Moon Hyung-bae said, “Considering the severe negative repercussions and extensive implications of the respondent’s constitutional breaches… (We) hereby dismiss respondent President Yoon Suk Yeol.”
The court explained that Yoon’s actions went against the nation’s democratic values and broke the principle of political neutrality in the military. The judges stated, “In the end, the respondent’s unconstitutional and illegal acts are a betrayal of the people’s trust and constitute a serious violation of the law that cannot be tolerated.”
The verdict means that a new presidential election must now be held within 60 days. Authorities are expected to announce the exact date soon.
Outside the court, Yoon’s supporters were seen shouting threats at the judges, which led to increased police protection for the court officials. Meanwhile, anti-Yoon protesters gathered in celebration. They clapped, hugged, and cried tears of joy as the ruling was read.
“When the dismissal was finally declared, the cheers were so loud it felt like the rally was being swept away,” said Kim Min-ji, a 25-year-old protester. “We cried tears and shouted that we, the citizens, had won.”
Opposition lawmakers in the courtroom applauded the decision, calling it “historic,” while members of Yoon’s party quietly left the building.
In a short statement released after the judgment, Yoon said he was sorry for not meeting the people’s “expectations.”
This marks the second time a South Korean president has been removed by the judiciary. The first was in 2017 when President Park Geun-hye was impeached.
Before the announcement, police raised the security level to its highest point, blocked roads around the courthouse with vehicles, and deployed special forces. Public anger had been rising for weeks, and the tension reached its peak as the decision was awaited.
