The Constitutional Court of South Korea unanimously upheld the decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office due to his declaration of a state of war, thus opening the way for new elections following months of political turmoil.
Yoon, 64, was impeached by lawmakers for his attempt on December 3 of the previous year to overturn civilian rule by deploying armed soldiers to the parliament. Meanwhile, in a separate criminal case, he was also arrested on charges of insurrection.
Millions of South Korean citizens watched the Constitutional Court’s ruling, which was broadcast live by the media.
“Considering the negative impact and the serious consequences of the constitutional violations committed by the defendant… We hereby remove President Yoon Suk Yeol,” said Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae as he read the court’s decision.
Following the ruling, Yoon issued an apology.
“I truly regret that I could not meet your expectations,” he said in a brief statement released after the court’s decision.
The court justified its ruling by stating that Yoon’s actions “violated the fundamental principles of the rule of law and democratic governance.”
By sending soldiers to parliament in an attempt to prevent lawmakers from overturning his decree declaring a state of war, Yoon “violated the political neutrality of the armed forces.” The justices stated that Yoon sent the soldiers to parliament “for political purposes.”
“In the end, his illegal and unconstitutional actions are a betrayal of the people’s trust and constitute serious violations of the law that cannot be tolerated,” the ruling concluded, according to REL.
Opposition lawmakers welcomed the decision, calling it “historic.”
Yoon is the second South Korean president to be removed from power by the court, following the impeachment of Park Geun-hye in 2017.
On Friday, police increased their presence in South Korea as protests against Yoon were held outside the court.
Yoon, who has defended his decision to overturn civilian rule by arguing that it was necessary to root out “anti-state forces,” still has passionate supporters.
Outside Yoon’s residence, his supporters gathered, breaking into tears when the Constitutional Court’s decision was read.
Yoon’s December decision sparked political unrest in South Korea, leading to a wave of protests. At least two of his supporters have died during protests this year.
Yoon is also facing another criminal trial related to charges of insurrection connected to his attempts to declare a state of war.
Yoon’s removal from the presidency, effective immediately, paves the way for new presidential elections, which must be held within 60 days. Authorities have said that they will announce the date of the new elections in the coming days.
Until the new elections are held, Han Duck-soo will continue to serve as acting president.
