South Korea’s Constitutional Court has commenced trial proceedings for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended after declaring martial law and triggering a political crisis. The court now has up to six months to decide whether to permanently remove Yoon from office or reinstate him, a decision that will have far-reaching implications for the country’s political stability.
The National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon last Saturday following widespread protests demanding his resignation. His declaration of martial law had sparked outrage across South Korea, with critics accusing him of undermining democratic institutions and escalating tensions unnecessarily. Protesters have pledged to maintain pressure throughout the impeachment process, intensifying calls for his permanent removal.
The fallout from Yoon’s suspension has already rippled through his ruling People Power Party (PPP). On Monday, the party’s leader announced his resignation, reflecting internal turmoil as the party struggles to navigate the crisis.
The Constitutional Court, which has overturned one presidential impeachment and upheld another in South Korea’s history, is now under intense pressure to resolve the case swiftly. Despite calls for an expedited process, public hearings are expected to stretch over several months. Adding to the complexity, the court currently operates with only six of its nine justices, following the retirement of three judges who have yet to be replaced. However, the court confirmed on Monday that it could proceed with Yoon’s trial despite the vacancies and scheduled a preliminary hearing for December 27.
If the court upholds the impeachment, South Korea will be required to hold a new presidential election within 60 days. Until then, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president, steering the government during this period of uncertainty.
Whether Yoon will personally testify during the trial remains unclear. He has already ignored a prosecutor’s summons for questioning in Seoul on Sunday. Authorities have indicated that if Yoon fails to appear again this week, police may be authorized to arrest him.
This impeachment marks only the third time in South Korea’s history that a president has faced such proceedings. The country remains deeply polarized, with critics arguing that Yoon’s actions have eroded public trust in the presidency, while his supporters claim the impeachment is politically motivated.
As the court deliberates, South Korea faces a critical moment in its democracy, with millions of citizens awaiting clarity on the nation’s political future. For now, uncertainty looms, and the outcome of Yoon’s trial will likely shape the country’s trajectory for years to come.