South Korea’s Constitutional Court Begins Impeachment Trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has started the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol following a parliamentary vote to remove him from office. This move stems from his controversial declaration of martial law earlier in December, which sparked political chaos and widespread protests. The court has six months to determine whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Yoon, or to reinstate him.

Martial Law Sparks National Crisis
The crisis began when Yoon, in a televised address, announced a state of martial law, arguing it was necessary to combat “anti-state forces.” This unprecedented move threw South Korea into disarray, as it was perceived as an authoritarian overstep. The decision was quickly reversed after lawmakers forcibly entered the shuttered parliament to overturn it. Martial law ended quickly and protests erupted across the country, with protesters demanding Yoon’s arrest and demanding political responsibility.

Internal Struggles Within the People’s Power Party
Yoon’s martial law declaration has caused significant turmoil within his own party, the People’s Power Party (PPP). PPP Chairman Han Dong-hun resigned, acknowledging the potentially disastrous consequences had martial law not been lifted. This resignation further highlights the internal rifts within the party, as some loyalists of Yoon support his actions, while others view it as a dangerous overreach. Despite official opposition within the PPP to the impeachment, at least 12 lawmakers from the party are believed to have voted in favor of removing Yoon from office.

What’s Next for South Korea?
The impeachment trial is expected to take months, but there is growing pressure on the Constitutional Court to act quickly and bring an end to the political instability gripping the nation. To remove Yoon from office, at least six out of the nine Constitutional Court judges must vote in favor of the impeachment. However, due to recent retirements, the court currently has only six active judges. In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president, working to stabilize the government and reassure the public and international markets amid the uncertainty.

Growing Accusations of Overreach and Rebellion
Opposition parties and critics of Yoon have accused him of engaging in an act of rebellion by overstepping his authority as president. They argue that martial law should only be declared in times of war or extreme emergency, and that Yoon’s actions set a dangerous precedent for authoritarian rule. The decision has deeply divided South Korean politics, with factions within the PPP and across the broader political landscape clashing over the legitimacy of Yoon’s leadership.