On Friday, April 4, 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court will deliver its ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
This long-awaited decision comes after a tumultuous few months in which Yoon was suspended from office for declaring martial law, a move that plunged the nation into political chaos and raised profound questions about the future of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
Impeachment Process and Martial Law Declaration
The roots of the impeachment trace back to December 3, 2024, when President Yoon attempted to impose martial law in a drastic move that sparked intense political turmoil.
The declaration of martial law, which involved sending armed soldiers into the National Assembly, was met with fierce resistance from lawmakers who defied the measure.
Soon after, the National Assembly impeached Yoon, marking the beginning of a crisis that has severely impacted South Korea’s political stability and economy.
The South Korean Constitutional Court, tasked with determining the legality of the impeachment, held several weeks of hearings. Legal experts and political analysts have speculated that disagreements among the court’s justices have prolonged the decision-making process.
The court is expected to announce whether Yoon will be formally removed from office, a decision that could reshape South Korea’s political landscape.
The Impeachment Case and Legal Concerns
To remove Yoon from office, at least six of the eight justices on the Constitutional Court must vote in favor of impeachment. Legal experts, including Noh Hee-bum, an attorney and former research judge at the court, predict that Yoon’s martial law declaration violated the constitution, and therefore, the president’s removal from office seems likely.
“The primary role of the Constitutional Court is to protect and uphold the Constitution, which Yoon’s declaration of martial law directly violated,” Noh stated, expressing confidence that the court will issue a unanimous decision in favor of impeachment.
The impeachment has already led to significant unrest in the country, with large rallies occurring every weekend in Seoul both for and against Yoon’s presidency.
Yoon himself has remained defiant throughout the process, blaming political opposition for what he terms a “malicious” case against him.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, faced insurrection charges following his martial law declaration, making him the first sitting South Korean president to stand trial for criminal charges. Although he was detained in January 2025, he was released in early March on procedural grounds. Despite his legal battles, Yoon has maintained that his actions were necessary to preserve order in the country.
The Political Divisions and Public Sentiment
The impeachment trial has caused deep divides among South Koreans, with supporters and detractors of the president clashing in the streets of Seoul.
The ruling party, the People Power Party (PPP), has expressed hope that the court’s ruling will be fair and impartial, avoiding further social unrest. PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong urged both political sides to come together after the verdict to ease public divisions and promote national unity.
On the other hand, the opposition Democratic Party has strongly advocated for Yoon’s removal, seeing his actions as a direct assault on South Korea’s constitutional order.
Democratic Party spokespersons have argued that the president’s martial law declaration was not just unconstitutional but also an attempt to subvert the country’s democratic processes.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, is currently considered the frontrunner for the presidency should new elections be called.
The upcoming ruling on Yoon’s impeachment has sparked considerable anticipation, with many hoping it will resolve the political crisis and bring the country back to stability.
Implications for South Korea’s Future
If the Constitutional Court votes to remove Yoon, elections must be held within 60 days. This will likely lead to a highly contested race, particularly with Lee Jae-myung’s recent legal victories, including the overturning of an election law conviction that had previously barred him from running for president.
However, political complications continue to loom. If Lee’s conviction is reinstated on appeal before the election, he will be barred from holding office for five years, including the upcoming presidential race.
The decision by the Constitutional Court also carries significant international implications. With U.S. President Donald Trump imposing sweeping tariffs on South Korea, the country’s political instability could have serious economic consequences.
As tensions rise both domestically and internationally, the court’s verdict will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of South Korean politics.
Recent Developments: Prime Minister’s Impeachment
In a related case, the Constitutional Court recently dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had temporarily taken on the role of acting president following Yoon’s suspension. This ruling was seen as distinct from Yoon’s case, as it did not directly address the legality of martial law but provided a signal that the court’s decisions could influence both the current government and future elections.
The ruling on President Yoon’s impeachment will not only determine the fate of the president but will also serve as a defining moment in South Korea’s political trajectory.
The nation’s response to this decision, especially in terms of potential elections and future governance, will have far-reaching consequences for its political stability, democratic integrity, and its position on the global stage.
As the date for the ruling approaches, all eyes are on the Constitutional Court and the next phase of South Korea’s political future.
