The court said Yoon had ‘committed a grave betrayal of the trust of the people’ over his ill-fated declaration of martial law in December

Summary

South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol for his unconstitutional martial law declaration in December, formally removing him from office.

Acting President Han Duck-soo will serve until new elections within 60 days.

The court ruled Yoon gravely violated democratic principles by using military force to obstruct parliament.

Yoon now faces criminal trial for insurrection. His removal sparked both celebrations and unrest, with 14,000 police deployed in Seoul. A Gallup Korea poll showed 60% supported his permanent removal.