South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was officially removed from office on Friday after the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld his impeachment, marking one of the most dramatic political crises in the country’s history.

Yoon’s impeachment stemmed from his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, an unprecedented move that sparked public outrage and deepened political instability. The ruling brings an end to months of turmoil and paves the way for a new presidential election within 60 days, as required by South Korea’s constitution.

Moon Hyung-bae, acting Chief Justice of South Korea’s Constitutional Court, speaks during the final ruling of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment at the Constitutional Court on April 04, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. Kim Min-Hee/Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Court Ruling and Reaction

According to Reuters, acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae delivered the verdict, emphasizing that Yoon had overstepped his constitutional authority and violated his duty as president.

“(Yoon) committed a grave betrayal of the people’s trust who are the sovereign members of the democratic republic,” Moon stated.

He added that the martial law created chaos across society, the economy, and foreign policy, making it an unjustified and unconstitutional action.

Thousands of protesters, who had camped outside the court overnight in anticipation of the ruling, erupted in cheers and celebrations, chanting “We won!”

“This took a long time, but it’s a sensible outcome,” said Kim Han-sol, a 23-year-old student attending the rally.

On the other hand, Yoon’s supporters reacted in stunned silence, with some breaking into tears while others expressed anger at the decision. Police detained at least one protester for smashing a police bus window, according to Yonhap News Agency.

People watch a live news report as they wait for the Constitutional Court ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-ji TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Political Fallout and Economic Impact

With Yoon ousted, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will continue as acting president until a new leader is elected. In response to the ruling, Han pledged to ensure a stable and peaceful transition.

The ruling also had limited immediate impact on the financial markets, with the South Korean won up by 1% against the U.S. dollar and the benchmark KOSPI index down by 0.7%, reflecting that the market had largely anticipated the court’s decision.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is expected to hold an emergency meeting with the Bank of Korea governor and financial regulators to discuss the economic outlook, particularly in light of the 25% tariffs recently imposed by the U.S. on South Korean imports.

People celebrate after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment was accepted, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-ji TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The Martial Law Controversy

The impeachment crisis erupted when Yoon, in a late-night address, announced martial law to counter what he claimed was an “anti-state” conspiracy led by the opposition Democratic Party. He later lifted the decree six hours later, but not before special forces attempted to storm the National Assembly, where lawmakers ultimately voted to reject his order.

Yoon had justified his actions by accusing the opposition of abusing its parliamentary majority, but the court rejected this argument, stating that legal avenues were available to resolve political disputes.

“Mobilizing the military against parliament was a grave violation of Yoon’s constitutional duty,” Chief Justice Moon declared.

A flag with the photograph of Yoon Suk Yeol is held up as far-right demonstrators gather for the Constitutional Court ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, near his residence in Seoul, South Korea, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

What’s Next for Yoon?

Yoon, who became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested on January 15, was released in March after a court canceled his detention order. However, his legal troubles are far from over.

He now faces a criminal trial on insurrection charges, which carries a potential life sentence or even the death penalty. Oral arguments are set to begin on April 14.

His lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, dismissed the court’s impeachment ruling as politically motivated.

“This can only be seen as a political decision, and it’s really disappointing,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, portraits of Yoon at military bases and government offices were removed and destroyed, symbolizing his complete political downfall.