In a landmark decision on April 4, 2025, the South Korean Constitutional Court issued a unanimous endorsement of the removal of In the decision, the court ruled that Yoon's constitutional impropriety, i.e., his martial law declaration last December 2024, constitutes manifest abuse of presidential discretion.

Unconstitutional Action Leads to Ousting

The imposition of martial law by President Yoon and the deployment of troops to close down the National Assembly were horrifying assaults on the Constitution, according to the ruling. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae decreed, "We hereby render the following decision, with the unanimous concurrence of all Justices: (We) remove respondent President Yoon Suk-yeol.".

Yoon's martial law announcement of December 3, 2024, endured only six hours before it was quickly rescinded by the opposition-controlled legislature. Although brief, the move caused historic political upheaval and mass displeasure.

Road to Impeachment

Following the martial law crisis, the National Assembly impeached Yoon in December 2024, removing him from his presidential powers and referring the case to the Constitutional Court. The latest court decision puts an end to the process, and Yoon was the second South Korean president removed from office by impeachment following Park Geun-hye in 2017.

Along with his removal from office, Yoon will also be tried individually on charges of rebellion and can be handed a tough sentence if found guilty.

Political and Economic Ramifications

Impeachment has kickstarted political polarization in South Korea as a chain of mass protests and street demonstrations began. Supporters of Yoon and anti-Yoon demonstrators took to the streets.

The situation has not been economically great and the harshly devastating impact on South Korea's foreign trade relations has been evident. The United States, in particular, imposed 25% tariff on imports from South Korea during these years, which also brought economic woes.

Presidential Election Ahead

Under the law of South Korea, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days for replacement of Yoon. Acting president at present is Prime Minister Han Duck-soo until an election takes place.

Leader of opposition party Lee Jae-myung is likely to be the next election's front runner. Lee, who was narrowly defeated in 2022 by Yoon, recently got over the legal hurdle that earlier halted his political career.

Historical Context and Future Implications

It is the second time in South Korean history that a president has been removed from office by impeachment, seeing the nation's devotion to rule of law and constitutional government. The action has also been controversial over potential reforms to the constitution with the aim of preventing political instability and establishing stability in the future.

Because there will be an election in South Korea, the country is faced with the need to bridge broad political chasms and overwhelm the economic consequences of recent developments. The future direction of the country will be set by the forthcoming elections.