The Constitutional Court of South Korea unanimously confirmed on Friday the dismissal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, definitively removing him from office just four months after his ill-fated attempt to impose martial law.
In a scathing ruling that lasted 23 minutes, Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stated that Yoon’s actions had “violated the fundamental principles of the rule of law and democratic governance.”
Yoon “did not merely declare martial law but also engaged in actions that contravened the Constitution and the law, including mobilizing military and police forces to obstruct the National Assembly from exercising its authority,” he continued.
“In conclusion, the unconstitutional and illegal actions of the defendant betray the trust of the people and constitute a serious violation of the law that cannot be condoned in the interest of safeguarding the Constitution,” the Court added.
“We hereby issue the following decision, with the unanimous agreement of all judges: we dismiss President Yoon Suk Yeol,” he announced, affirming the impeachment motion passed by the National Assembly on December 14.
This ruling means that Yoon is immediately removed from power—a position from which he had only been suspended until now—and it will necessitate a presidential election within 60 days. The former president is also facing criminal charges for “insurrection,” a crime that carries the death penalty.
