A South Korean court on Friday upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, formally removing him from office over his failed attempt to impose martial law, and triggering the need for a new presidential election within 60 days.
The court’s decision, which cannot be appealed, comes amid intense political division in the country following Yoon’s surprise martial law declaration on December 3. Citing alleged threats from “anti-state forces” and claiming government paralysis by the opposition-controlled parliament, Yoon had briefly enacted sweeping measures—including media censorship and a ban on political activity—before rescinding the order six hours later.
The impeachment trial and Yoon’s actions have sparked widespread protests, both in support of and against him, with authorities deploying heavy security around the courthouse ahead of the ruling. The political crisis has also weakened South Korea’s international standing as it confronts mounting U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump and increased military coordination between North Korea and Russia.
Yoon, 64, who remained at his presidential residence during the court ruling, now faces a criminal trial for insurrection—an offense that bypasses presidential immunity.
He is the first South Korean president to be arrested while in office, having spent nearly two months in detention before being released on procedural grounds.
The Constitutional Court’s decision follows growing polarization between conservatives—many of whom echo Yoon’s unproven claims of election fraud using slogans like “Stop the Steal”—and liberals, some of whom have called for the removal of judges opposing impeachment.
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul issued a protest warning ahead of Friday’s announcement, while officials prepared for nationwide demonstrations.
Yoon’s impeachment came just days after the court reversed a similar decision against acting president Han Duck-soo, who had replaced Yoon following his December removal but was also briefly impeached.
