South Korean Court Delivers Historic Verdict, Orders Fresh Elections in 60 Days
In a dramatic twist that has gripped South Korea and sent shockwaves across the world, President Yoon Suk Yeol has been officially removed from office following a unanimous ruling by the country’s top court.
The Constitutional Court’s decision, delivered on Friday, marks the end of a months-long political crisis that began after Yoon attempted to impose martial law and deployed soldiers to the National Assembly. The move, widely condemned as an attack on democracy, led to his impeachment by lawmakers in December 2024.
Court Declares Yoon’s Actions a Threat to Democracy
Acting court president Moon Hyung-bae didn’t mince words in delivering the verdict: “Given the serious negative impact and far-reaching consequences of the respondent’s constitutional violations… we dismiss respondent President Yoon Suk Yeol.”
The court declared that Yoon’s decision to send armed troops to block parliament from voting was a grave violation of South Korea’s democratic principles and a betrayal of public trust.
Effective immediately, Yoon’s dismissal paves the way for a new presidential election, which must be conducted within 60 days. The official date is expected to be announced soon.
Public Reactions: Cheers, Tears, and Tensions
Millions of South Koreans watched the live court proceedings, with public reactions split along political lines. Anti-Yoon protesters celebrated the ruling with tears and chants, declaring victory for democracy. “We cried tears and shouted that we, the citizens, had won,” said 25-year-old protester Kim Min-ji.
But outside Yoon’s residence, loyal supporters broke down in tears, some shouting obscenities and expressing disbelief at the court’s decision. At least two supporters have tragically died this year after self-immolating in protest of the impeachment.
Security on High Alert as Emotions Run High
With tensions soaring, police raised security to the highest level. Special forces units surrounded the court complex, while judges involved in the case received added protection after threats from Yoon supporters.
A Historic Moment for South Korea
Yoon now joins former president Park Geun-hye as the second South Korean leader to be impeached and removed from office. Experts see the ruling as a strong message that no leader is above the law.
“This shows the resilience of South Korean democracy,” said Professor Byunghwan Son of George Mason University. “The system held firm against one of its biggest challenges — a coup attempt.”
Markets React, Portraits Removed
Following the verdict, the Korean won strengthened against the US dollar, and the stock market responded with modest gains. Meanwhile, government offices began removing portraits of Yoon from military institutions, a symbolic end to his short-lived presidency.
What’s Next for South Korea?
Acting president Han Duck-soo will continue to lead the country until a new leader is elected. Yoon still faces separate criminal charges related to the martial law attempt.
As Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-shik put it: “We have reaffirmed that no one in the Republic of Korea can be above the law.”
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