The Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol: Causes and Current Situation

The Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol: Causes and Current Situation​

On April 4, 2025, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking a significant event in the nation's democratic history. This decision came after Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024, which was deemed a severe violation of constitutional principles.​

Reasons for Impeachment

The impeachment stemmed from President Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, in response to political opposition and alleged threats to national stability. The Constitutional Court identified several constitutional violations:

1. Improper Declaration of Martial Law: Yoon declared martial law without meeting the necessary conditions, such as a state of war or national emergency, and failed to follow required procedures, including proper consultation with the Cabinet and notification to the National Assembly.​

2. Obstruction of Legislative Functions: He deployed military forces to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from convening, thereby hindering the legislative process and violating the separation of powers.​

3. Interference with Judicial Independence: Yoon was involved in plans to arrest judges and justices, undermining the judiciary's independence and threatening the rule of law.​

4. Suppression of Political Freedoms: The use of military and intelligence agencies to monitor and suppress political opponents infringed upon citizens' rights to political activity and assembly.​

These actions collectively represented a grave abuse of power and a direct challenge to South Korea's constitutional democracy.​

Current Situation

Following the court's decision, Yoon was immediately removed from office. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed the role of acting president and will serve until a new president is elected. A snap presidential election is scheduled for June 3, 2025. Yoon is also barred from holding public office for five years and faces potential criminal charges related to his actions during the martial law period.​

The impeachment has led to significant political upheaval, with public opinion deeply divided. While many citizens view the court's decision as a reaffirmation of democratic principles, others express concern over the nation's political stability. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining South Korea's political direction and restoring public trust in government institutions.​

For a detailed overview of the impeachment proceedings and their implications, refer to the comprehensive article on the 

For a detailed overview of the impeachment proceedings and their implications, refer to the comprehensive article on the