South Korea is the only country in the world that is hardly concerned about Trump and his new tariffs today. On April 4, its Constitutional Court unanimously approved the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. All the judges found the national state of emergency this person, known for his authoritarian ways, imposed on December 3 last year, a violation of law and democratic principles.
Since January, the court has held 11 hearings, several of which Yoon attended in person. He also remains a defendant in the coup criminal case threatening him with a life sentence or even death penalty. The current ruling by the Constitutional Court will be a weighty argument for passing the strictest possible sentence. The trial is set to begin on April 14, becoming yet another act in the political drama South Korea has been going through these days.
In his ruling, Moon Hyung-bae, acting Chairman of the Court, said that Yoon "rejected the principles of national sovereignty and democracy," including the use of soldiers and police officers to obstruct the "exercise of Parliament's constitutional powers." "The defendant's actions represent a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people as president," Moon stressed. "By declaring martial law, Yoon had created chaos in all areas of society, the economy and foreign policy."
The head of the National Assembly’s impeachment committee Jeong Cheong Rae dubbed the court's decision "a victory for the Constitution and democracy." Meanwhile, the lawyers expressed disagreement with the ruling, considering it politically motivated.
Notably, Yoon, 64, is a professional lawyer who spent his entire career in the prosecutor's office, where he worked his way up to become Prosecutor General, acquiring notoriety for many anti-corruption investigations. And this was the key to his victory in the 2022 presidential election. However, his prosecutorial acumen and commitment to authoritarian methods led him to collapse, so far politically, but perhaps also personally.
Observers believe that Yoon's key motivation was to avoid an investigation into corruption charges involving his inner circle, including his wife. October 2024 saw Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People's Power party which dominates the local Parliament, urge President Yoon to repent amid the scandal involving his wife Kim Kun-hee suspected in stock fraud engagement, receiving an expensive handbag as a gift, and interfering in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Against this backdrop, the growing conflict between Yoon and the People's Power party in parliament entailed a state of emergency and an attempt to block the country's legislative body. In this, he relied on law enforcement and army leaders, many of whom were Yoon’s friends or schoolmates.
A special force was sent to the parliament building. However, the opposition showed vigilance and efficiency, quickly gathering its supporters at the National Assembly. Of the 300 lawmakers, 190, including 18 from Yoon’s party, unanimously adopted a resolution to abolish the state of emergency. Meanwhile, parliament staff used barricades and fire extinguishers to drive away special force soldiers who arrived by helicopter and smashed windows trying to enter the building. The democratic procedure did work, burying the president's ambitions and preserving the country’s constitutional order.
Yoon, who did not appear in court for security reasons, posted a message saying: "I am truly sorry and heartbroken that I was unable to meet your expectations." The former president defended himself by saying that martial law, which lasted no more than 6 hours, was a reasonable measure, since the opposition Democratic Party, which controls parliament, has paralyzed public administration by regularly filing petitions for the impeachment of officials from his administration and seeking to reduce government spending.
"I deeply thank all of you who have supported and encouraged me despite my many shortcomings," he said.
After the court's decision was made public, Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo stated: "I will make sure there are no gaps in national security." He was also impeached by parliament due to tacit approval of the president's actions, but March saw him reinstated after the court failed to approve of the decision.
"I will do my best so that the next government can take office without delay, strictly in accordance with the Constitution and law," said Han, who will lead the country with the former team until presidential elections.
Yoon Seok-yeol is the second impeached South Korean president after Park Geun-hye in 2017. The presidential election is set to take place within 60 days, with the most likely date being June 3, local media claim.
In the upcoming race, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, who lost to Yoon Seok-yeol by a narrow margin in 2022, is expected to once again become a hopeful. He is seen as the strongest candidate.
"We will strive to restore the destroyed people’s livelihoods, peace, economy and democracy with a spirit of grand unity" following the chaos caused by the imposition of martial law, Lee said, welcoming the court's decision.
Local media report that the list of candidates may also feature Employment and Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and former ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon.
The election is likely to make political instability grow way higher in South Korea. The atmosphere surrounding Yoon’s case was evidenced by the 14,000 police officers deployed to areas surrounding the Constitutional Court to prevent clashes. Society is split into fierce supporters and opponents of the newly disgraced president as they actively demonstrate their position at numerous rallies and protests. Public opinion polls show that the public's condemnation of Yoon is not cut and dried.
The upcoming election will only increase political polarization in that country.
