In a landmark decision, South Korea's Constitutional Court has unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the first time in the country’s history that a sitting president has been removed for declaring martial law. The ruling, issued on April 4, follows months of political turmoil and widespread public protests that erupted after Yoon’s controversial move in December 2024.

The court determined that Yoon’s six-hour imposition of martial law was unconstitutional, characterizing it as an abuse of executive power. The decision cited a grave violation of democratic principles and a betrayal of the public trust. The martial law declaration was aimed at halting an opposition-led parliamentary vote, a move critics likened to a coup attempt.

As a result of the court’s decision, Yoon has been immediately removed from office. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president until a new election is held within the constitutionally mandated 60-day period. The upcoming election is expected to take place amid an atmosphere of national introspection and political uncertainty.

In addition to losing office, Yoon now faces a separate criminal trial on charges of insurrection. He has maintained his innocence and denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his actions were necessary to prevent what he described as a parliamentary “hijack” of governance. Legal experts, however, say the martial law order had no constitutional justification and posed a serious threat to democratic norms.

The fallout from Yoon’s removal has been swift and complex. In parallel with the political upheaval, the country is dealing with growing economic challenges, including new tariffs imposed by the United States on key South Korean exports. Acting President Han has already initiated emergency meetings and called for immediate negotiations with Washington to mitigate the impact of the tariffs on South Korea’s fragile economy.

Public response to Yoon’s ousting has been largely positive. Tens of thousands of South Koreans gathered in major cities to celebrate the court’s decision, waving flags and chanting in support of democracy. However, the situation has also exposed deep divisions within the political landscape, with Yoon’s supporters decrying the ruling as a politically motivated betrayal.

As the nation prepares for a snap presidential election, questions remain about the future of South Korea’s leadership and its ability to navigate both domestic instability and growing international tensions. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the country can move beyond this unprecedented political crisis and restore public confidence in its democratic institutions.