The Constitutional Court of South Korea has unanimously confirmed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, a decision conveyed via oral ruling. This resolution comes under the purview of Article 68 of the Korean Constitution, which mandates a fresh presidential election within 60 days. The court’s decision immediately removes Yoon from office, although written reasons are to be issued subsequently. More details on the ruling can be found here.
This ruling stages the denouement of a political saga initiated when Yoon controversially declared martial law on December 4 to manage political unrest. His declaration was swiftly nullified by members of parliament, including opposition figures like Lee Jae-myung who famously live-streamed their determined entrance into the parliamentary building to overturn Yoon’s decree. Parliament voted for impeachment just two weeks later, thereby suspending Yoon’s responsibilities and sending the decision to the Constitutional Court for a final review under Article 65.
The People Power Party, which held the presidency, acknowledged the court’s decision. Spokesperson Kwon Young-se noted respect for the ruling while extending apologies to party supporters for failing to prevent the Democratic Party from taking control of the legislature. Meanwhile, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung welcomed the court’s ruling, asserting it as a triumph for South Korean democracy through a statement available here.
The Constitutional Court had commenced its review back on December 16, taking 111 days to reach its decision—longer than previous cases, such as the 92 days it took to impeach Park Geun-Hye. Comparative analysis related to past impeachment proceedings can be reviewed at the Center for Strategic and International Studies here.