South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appears at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on February 20, 2025, for a hearing on his impeachment trial over his brief declaration of martial law. REUTERS
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will make his final statement on Tuesday as the Constitutional Court nears a decision on his impeachment. The case, which could cut short his five-year term, will be decided by eight judges after public hearings conclude.
Yoon was impeached by parliament over his declaration of martial law on December 3. Lawmakers argue he had no constitutional grounds to impose such a measure. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office less than three years into his presidency.
Yoon has defended his decision, claiming he never intended full military control but wanted to warn against the opposition Democratic Party’s misuse of its parliamentary majority. He insists the brief six-hour martial law was not a mistake but was lifted sooner than he originally planned.
His defense, however, has been met with criticism. Lawmakers argue he lacks the judgment to determine what qualifies as a national emergency. They fear he might impose martial law again if reinstated. His impeachment has already thrown the country into political turmoil.
Yoon’s martial law decree banned political and parliamentary activities, sparking a constitutional crisis. This led to the impeachment of the prime minister, who was acting as president. Currently, the finance minister is leading the government.
Adding to his troubles, Yoon is also facing criminal charges for allegedly leading an insurrection. He is being held at the Seoul Detention Centre, making him the first sitting South Korean president to face a criminal trial.
The Constitutional Court has up to six months from December 14 to issue a ruling. However, a final decision could come much sooner. In 2017, former President Park Geun-hye was removed just 11 days after her impeachment trial ended.
If Yoon is removed from office, South Korea must hold a new presidential election within 60 days.
