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| Present Yoon Suk-Yeol Officially Removed from Office |
Constitutional Court Rules President Yoon Violated the Constitution
In a historic ruling, South Korea’s Constitutional Court has officially removed President Yoon Suk-yeol from office, with the decision taking immediate effect. The verdict follows intense national debate over his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024.
🗳️ Presidential Election to Be Held Within 60 Days
Following the impeachment, South Korea is now constitutionally required to hold a presidential election within 60 days to elect a new leader. The election is widely expected to take place on June 3, 2025.
In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president, as stipulated by the South Korean Constitution.
⚖️ Court: Yoon’s Actions Were Unconstitutional
In its detailed ruling, the Constitutional Court declared that President Yoon’s declaration of martial law was a direct violation of the Constitution and exceeded the powers granted to the presidency.
“The martial law order interfered with judicial independence, violated citizens’ basic rights, and severely undermined the stability of our democratic republic,” stated Presiding Justice Moon Hyung-bae.
🧾 Court’s Key Findings on Martial Law Decision
Justice Moon began the announcement by outlining the court’s conclusions regarding Yoon’s December 3 martial law declaration:
- President Yoon failed to follow proper procedures before enforcing martial law.
- His actions violated the authority of the National Assembly.
- The court found it “very difficult” to justify the martial law order by framing opposition party activities as a national emergency.
- Yoon breached his duties as Commander-in-Chief by mobilizing military forces during the night of December 3, 2024.
These findings led the court to rule that Yoon’s actions constituted serious constitutional violations, rendering him unfit to continue as president.
📌 Summary of Key Developments:
- President Yoon Suk-yeol impeached and removed by Constitutional Court.
- Election to choose successor must be held by early June 2025.
- PM Han Duck-soo appointed acting president until new leader is elected.
- Court ruled martial law violated Constitution and basic democratic principles.
- Yoon mobilized troops without proper legal authority, breaching his duties.
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