In a landmark ruling, South Korea's Constitutional Court has upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, marking a dramatic turn in the country's political landscape. The decision, announced on Thursday, officially removes Yoon from office and paves the way for new presidential elections.
Background of the Impeachment
Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office in May 2022, faced mounting criticism over his leadership style and controversial policies. The impeachment motion was passed by the National Assembly earlier this year, citing allegations of abuse of power and mishandling of key domestic and foreign issues. The case was subsequently referred to the Constitutional Court for review, as required by South Korean law.
Court Decision
The court's ruling was unanimous, with all nine justices agreeing that Yoon had violated constitutional principles and failed to uphold his duties as president. In its statement, the court emphasized that Yoon's actions had undermined public trust and posed a significant threat to democratic governance.
Political Implications
Yoon's removal from office is expected to trigger political upheaval in South Korea. The opposition Democratic Party, which led the impeachment effort, has called for swift action to restore stability and address pressing national challenges. Meanwhile, Yoon's supporters have criticized the ruling as politically motivated and vowed to contest it.
Under South Korean law, a presidential election must be held within 60 days of an impeachment ruling. Acting President Han Duck-soo will oversee the transition period until a new leader is elected. Political parties are already gearing up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race.
Public Reaction
The decision has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While many citizens have welcomed the court's ruling as a victory for accountability and democracy, others have expressed concerns about political polarization and instability.
This historic ruling underscores the strength of South Korea's democratic institutions and their ability to hold leaders accountable, even at the highest levels of government.