South Korea court rules in favour of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment

South Korea's Constitutional Court has ruled in favour of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, saying that he had violated the basic principles of a democratic state.

The verdict was delivered at 11am on Friday, Apr. 4, as reported by Korea JoongAng Daily.

"Cannot justify the use of the state's emergency power"

Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung Bae said that at the time the martial law was declared on Dec. 3, 2024, "a serious crisis situation did not occur in reality".

Moon stressed that under the Martial Law Act, a declaration of martial law requires national emergencies, such as war.

Yoon had defended his declaration of martial law by citing unilateral budget cuts, among other things.

As such, it "cannot justify the use of the state's emergency power," Moon said.

"We cannot accept the defendant's argument that martial law was merely a warning as he did not stop at the declaration of martial law and mobilised the military and police," he added, as quoted by Korea JoongAng Daily.

The court decided to uphold Yoon's impeachment as he had "violated the basic principles of a democratic state".

Yoon will be immediately removed from office, and acting president Han Duck Soo will remain as acting President until a presidential election is called within the next 60 days.

Botched imposition of martial law

South Korea National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on Dec. 14, 2024, over his botched imposition of martial law.

After the vote, the Constitutional Court had six months to rule whether to remove Yoon or reinstate him.

The court wrapped up arguments on Feb. 25, where Yoon said he declared martial law to eradicate "anti-state" sentiment but did not intend to fully impose the military rule.

The Constitutional Court continued deliberations on Yoon's impeachment for over a month before delivering its verdict on Apr. 4, 2025.

According to South Korea's constitution, Yoon can only be ousted when at least six or more judges agree to remove him from office, Reuters reported.

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