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

Martial Law Triggers Political Crisis and Public Outrage

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has officially begun deliberations on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, following a parliamentary vote to remove him from office. The unprecedented move stems from Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law earlier in December, which plunged the country into political turmoil and prompted mass protests.

In a nationally televised address, Yoon defended the imposition of martial law as necessary to counter what he described as “anti-state forces.” However, critics across the political spectrum viewed it as an authoritarian overreach. The martial law order was swiftly overturned after lawmakers stormed the shuttered National Assembly, reigniting the legislative process. The decree lasted only six hours but ignited widespread outrage and calls for Yoon’s arrest.

Internal Party Fallout and Divisions in the Ruling PPP

Yoon’s decision has fractured the People’s Power Party (PPP), with Chairman Han Dong-hun resigning amid mounting criticism. While Yoon still retains a core group of loyalists, at least 12 PPP lawmakers reportedly supported the impeachment motion, signaling deep internal discord. The resignation of Han and the split within the party underscore the political fallout from Yoon’s declaration.

Despite official opposition to impeachment from party leadership, the dissenting votes reflect growing concern within the PPP about Yoon’s leadership and the consequences of his actions.

Impeachment Process and Temporary Leadership Shift

The Constitutional Court has up to six months to reach a verdict. A minimum of six out of nine judges must vote in favor of impeachment to remove Yoon from office. Currently, the court is operating with only six judges due to recent retirements, making the outcome especially uncertain. In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president, working to stabilize the government and maintain public confidence.

Accusations of Rebellion and Constitutional Overreach

Opposition parties and legal scholars have labeled Yoon’s actions as unconstitutional, with some framing them as tantamount to rebellion. Martial law, critics argue, is a measure reserved for times of war or severe national crisis, not for political disputes. The move has deepened divisions in South Korean politics, raising concerns about democratic backsliding and executive overreach.

The impeachment trial is expected to be a defining moment for South Korea’s democracy, testing the strength of its institutions and the resilience of its constitutional framework in the face of political crisis.