South Korea’s constitutional court has initiated proceedings for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended following his controversial declaration of martial law, which triggered significant political unrest in the country.
Last Saturday, Members of Parliament decisively voted for Yoon’s impeachment after widespread demonstrations demanded his resignation.
The constitutional court now has a six-month window to determine whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.
In the aftermath of the impeachment, Yoon’s ruling party, the People Power Party (PPP), faces turmoil as its leader announced his resignation earlier this week.
While public hearings for the impeachment trial may extend over several months, there is mounting pressure on the court to expedite its decision and alleviate ongoing political uncertainty. Protesters have pledged to maintain their demands for Yoon’s removal throughout the trial process.
Historically, in the two previous cases of presidential impeachment in South Korea, the court overturned one decision while upholding another. The current trial could be further complicated as the court currently has only six justices following recent retirements.
If the impeachment is upheld, South Korea will be required to hold new presidential elections within 60 days. During this period, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president.
It remains uncertain whether Yoon will take the stand during the trial. He neglected a summons for questioning in Seoul and may face arrest if he does not comply with a new order.
Yoon has publicly defended his decision to impose martial law and remains defiant, stating his intention to fight the impeachment until the end.
Following the court’s convening on Monday morning, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced his resignation amid intensifying calls for his departure from the pro-Yoon faction.
“I sincerely apologize to all the people who are suffering from this emergency situation,” Han stated in a televised press conference.
Facing pressure from within his party, Han initially sought a way for Yoon to exit gracefully. However, in light of Yoon’s defiance, he pivoted to advocate for Yoon’s impeachment, calling it the only viable solution to halt the crisis.
During the impeachment vote, 12 PPP lawmakers supported the motion, indicating significant divisions within the party as the majority opposed Yoon’s removal.
In the aftermath of the vote, all five Supreme Council members of the PPP announced their resignations, effectively dismantling the party leadership.
With the Supreme Council in disarray, Han declared it would be “impossible” to continue in his role as party chief.
“While it pains me to think of my heartbroken supporters, I don’t regret my decision,” Han expressed regarding his call for Yoon’s impeachment.
