South Korea’s Constitutional Court will announce its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment this Friday, marking the end of months of political unrest. The court confirmed it will issue the verdict at 11 a.m. local time. The public and media will be allowed to attend and watch the live broadcast.
Nation Divided Over Impeachment
Yoon’s impeachment follows his controversial martial law declaration on December 14, which the National Assembly quickly overturned. The Constitutional Court’s ruling will decide whether Yoon stays in office or faces removal, drawing significant attention across the nation.
Both sides of the issue have sparked mass protests. Supporters and opponents of Yoon gather each weekend in Seoul, reflecting the deep divisions within South Korea.
Opposition Democratic Party spokesperson Cho Seung-rae expressed hope that the court would uphold the constitution. “The Constitution has finally responded to the people’s four-month wait,” Cho said. He added that the court should remove Yoon, who he accused of leading an insurrection.
The ruling People Power Party, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling date. Spokesperson Park Soo-min called for calm from both sides. “We hope the decision will restore order and uphold the law,” Park said.
Violence Erupts Amid Political Chaos
Yoon’s martial law declaration was aimed at protecting the public from what he called anti-state forces in the Democratic Party. The declaration led to swift backlash, with the National Assembly overturning the decree within hours. Special forces troops had stormed the Assembly during the dramatic vote.
Alongside the martial law issue, Yoon has raised unproven claims of election fraud. He also accused North Korean and Chinese entities of interfering in South Korean politics. His supporters have amplified these accusations, aligning with the U.S. “Stop the Steal” movement.
The political tension has fueled violent protests. In January, demonstrators stormed a court building, damaging property and injuring police officers.
Ahead of the ruling, South Korean authorities plan to deploy 14,000 riot police to maintain order.
What’s Next for Yoon
If six out of the eight justices vote to uphold the impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office. A snap election must follow within 60 days. If the court confirms his removal, Yoon will be the second president in South Korea’s history to be ousted by impeachment, following the case of Park Geun-hye in 2017.
A Gallup Korea survey reveals that 60% of respondents support Yoon’s impeachment, while 34% oppose it.
The court’s decision will have lasting effects on South Korea’s political landscape and its international relations.
