South Korea’s Constitutional Court is set to deliver its highly anticipated ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol this Friday, April 5, 2025.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision comes after months of political turmoil sparked by Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024.
The court’s verdict will determine whether Yoon will be formally removed from office or reinstated to serve out his term until May 2027. To secure Yoon’s removal, at least six of the eight justices must vote in favour of impeachment.
Yoon’s impeachment has been a subject of intense debate, with large-scale protests taking place in central Seoul. Supporters and opponents of Yoon have demonstrated every weekend, highlighting the deep divisions within the country.
The president has consistently denied wrongdoing, attributing his legal challenges to a “malicious” opposition. However, his declaration of martial law has drawn criticism from international allies and sparked concerns about the country’s democratic institutions.
If the Constitutional Court rules to dismiss Yoon, elections would need to be held within 60 days.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is currently considered the frontrunner, but his eligibility to run depends on the outcome of an ongoing election law case.
On the other hand, if Yoon is reinstated, it could exacerbate the country’s political divisions and lead to further unrest.
The ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party have welcomed the court’s announcement.
DP floor leader Park Chan-dae expressed confidence that the justices will vote unanimously to remove Yoon from office, stating, “The best ruling that will suppress and end the current state of insurrection is undoubtedly the dismissal of insurrection ringleader Yoon Suk Yeol”.
The presidential office has released a brief statement, saying it will “calmly wait for the Constitutional Court’s decision”.
