South Korea’s constitutional court on Friday, April 4, 2025, has unanimously voted to uphold the impeachment of president Yoon Suk Yeol
BBC reports that there were tears of joy and sadness amongst pro-Yoon and anti-Yoon supporters, who had taken to the streets ahead of the verdict.
Local Police were reportedly on standby in case of any violent protests
In his first remarks after the verdict, Yoon said he is “truly sorry” for failing to live up to the people’s expectations.
His short-lived declaration of martial law last December plunged the country into political turmoil.
His powers were first suspended when parliament voted to impeach him on December 14, 2025.
Some close sources to Yoon described the former president as having an explosive personality from a young age.
They added that he often “did as he pleased… [and] was stubborn to the core”
According to analysts, now that Yoon is impeached, a snap election must be held within 60 days.
Yoon also faces a separate charge of insurrection which will go on trial at a later date.
LITTLE BACKGROUND ON YOON’S SHORT SPELL IN POWER
According to BBC correspondent in Seoul, Jean Mackenzie, when Mr Yoon tried to orchestrate a military takeover, he stunned the world.
He claimed that the country had been infiltrated by North Korean spies.
For the past month, eight judges at the constitutional court have been deliberating his fate.
On Friday they unanimously ruled that he had abused his power and should be immediately removed from office.
Mackenzie reports that this is the result most people in South Korea had been hoping for.
But it is a different story for Mr Yoon’s loyal supporters, who have become more agitated and extreme as this case has dragged on, latching onto far-right conspiracy theories.
The authorities have reportedly been urging them to accept this ruling and stay calm.
Martial law only lasted six short hours, but it polarised the country.
According to online media sources, this verdict will bring some closure to South Korea.
Analysts say it can start to move forward – and elect a new leader.
But Mackenzie believes it won’t bring an end to the tension and division that Mr Yoon has unleashed here.