South Korean court upholds President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over martial law order
A South Korean court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, officially throwing him out of office over his botched imposition of martial law.
SEOUL, South Korea — A South Korean court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, officially throwing him out of office over his botched imposition of martial law and setting the stage for a new presidential election.
Yoon’s brief martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment trial have deeply divided South Korea, a key U.S. ally and one of the most vibrant democracies in Asia. Rallies for and against the conservative leader’s removal from office have been held regularly, and officials had barricaded the courthouse ahead of the ruling in anticipation of possible violence.
The political turmoil has also sidelined South Korea as it grapples with steep U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, as well as growing military cooperation between rival North Korea and Russia.
The eight judges on the Constitutional Court ruled unanimously against Yoon, 64, finding him guilty on all counts. The decision, which was broadcast live to cheering and despairing crowds and cannot be appealed, means an election for Yoon’s successor must be held within 60 days.
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