South Korea ousts president who briefly declared martial law

The country’s Constitutional Court on Friday voted unanimously to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, four months after he briefly imposed martial law. The court found that Yoon caused mass confusion, misused emergency decrees, and acted unconstitutionally. Upholding the constitution was far more important than keeping a president in power, the court said.

Yoon suddenly declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, saying that he needed to stop his political rivals in South Korea’s opposition-controlled legislature from wreaking havoc on the state. Yoon sent troops to encircle the National Assembly and keep lawmakers from voting on the martial law declaration. But enough of them managed to enter the building to vote down martial law. The legislative body voted to impeach Yoon on Dec. 14, sending the decision to the Constitutional Court.

How did Yoon respond to the verdict? Yoon released a statement on Friday saying it had been an honor to serve as president, according to the Korea Herald. He didn’t directly mention the ruling, but he apologized for shortcomings and said he would always pray for the Republic of Korea and its people.

Who will lead South Korea in Yoon’s absence? Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as the interim head of state until elections can be held sometime in the next two months. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, is a strong contender for the office of president, the Associated Press reported.

Dig deeper: Read my report on how South Korean fighter jets accidentally bombed their own village.