Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared before the Constitutional Court in Seoul on February 11, 2025, for a hearing related to his impeachment. AP
South Korea’s top court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday. The decision came four months after he declared martial law and sent troops to parliament. His actions shocked the country and led to major protests across the nation.
The Constitutional Court gave a unanimous ruling. The court supported the earlier impeachment vote passed by lawmakers. The National Assembly, controlled by the opposition, had impeached Yoon on December 14. They accused him of breaking the constitution and trying to stop lawmakers from doing their jobs.
Now, South Korea must hold a national election within two months. The country will soon vote for a new leader. Current polls show Lee Jae-myung, the opposition party's leader, as the front-runner.
When the court’s decision became public, crowds gathered in central Seoul near the old royal palace. Many people cheered, cried, and hugged each other. An elderly man jumped up and shouted with happiness. Supporters of Yoon stayed quiet but are expected to respond in the coming days.
The situation started on December 3 when Yoon suddenly declared martial law. He said it was to keep order during a political deadlock. He sent hundreds of soldiers and police to the National Assembly building. His goal was to stop lawmakers from voting on the issue.
Reports later revealed that Yoon gave direct orders to remove lawmakers by force. Some senior officers who were involved said they were told to drag lawmakers out. Despite his efforts, enough politicians entered the building and voted to cancel his martial law decree.
Lawmakers then moved to impeach him. They said he tried to silence the Assembly, arrest politicians, and damage peace in the country. His actions led to a deep political divide. Protesters filled streets in large numbers, either demanding his removal or showing support.
Even after his removal, tensions may not calm down quickly. Experts believe Yoon’s supporters will hold more rallies. The country may continue to stay politically divided in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, attention now turns to the upcoming election. All eyes are on who will become the next president. The new leader will need to focus on healing the nation and restoring trust.
The court’s decision ends one of the most dramatic chapters in recent South Korean politics. Many citizens hope the country can now move forward.
