S. Korea's Constitutional Court Removes Yoon from Office

South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled on Friday to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office following his attempt to impose martial law in December.

In a unanimous decision read by Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae, the court stated that Yoon’s actions violated the fundamental principles of the rule of law and democratic governance.

The ruling cited Yoon’s imposition of martial law and his deployment of military and police forces to obstruct the National Assembly from exercising its authority as key violations of the constitution.

With the ruling taking immediate effect, South Korea must now hold an early presidential election within 60 days to select Yoon’s successor. The election is widely expected to take place on June 3.

The impeachment process began in mid-December when the opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to remove Yoon from office.

Lawmakers accused him of violating the constitution by declaring martial law on December 3 and using security forces to prevent legislators from voting on the decree. He also allegedly ordered the arrest of political opponents. Yoon has denied all charges.

His removal marks a historic moment in South Korea’s political landscape and sets the stage for a high-stakes election that will determine the country’s future leadership