South Korean President, Yoon Suk-yeol has been officially removed from office after South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously ruled against him for imposing martial law last year.
On Friday morning, acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae delivered the court’s decision, rejecting Yoon’s justifications for the martial law and stating that the president exceeded his powers by deploying military forces in Seoul in December.
Moon criticized Yoon for using the military and police to undermine constitutional institutions and violate citizens’ rights, arguing that the president failed in his duty to uphold the constitution and seriously betrayed public trust.
“This kind of unconstitutional and illegal behavior cannot be tolerated,” the judge said, noting that the damage caused was significant. He added that the need to restore constitutional order justified the removal, despite the political and national impact of dismissing a sitting president.
Yoon had previously claimed that pro-North Korean elements had infiltrated the government, but testimony from top military and police officials revealed he had instructed them to detain opposition politicians and block the National Assembly from voting to end his martial law.
The National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on December 14, but his official removal required approval from the Constitutional Court.
Following the ruling, Yoon stated he would accept the decision. “To the citizens of Korea, it was an honor to serve you. I am sincerely thankful to everyone who supported me, despite my flaws,” he said.
A presidential election must now be held within 60 days. Until then, Acting President Han Duck-soo will continue to lead the government.
