South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office following his declaration of martial law in December. The court deemed his actions a grave betrayal of public trust.
Yoon's declaration of martial law, justified by alleged threats from 'anti-state forces,' lasted only six hours before being overturned by parliament. Subsequent impeachment proceedings followed, culminating in his removal from office.
A general election is required within 60 days. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is a potential candidate. Reactions to Yoon's removal were mixed, with celebrations from opponents and somber acceptance from supporters.
Yoon's removal marks a significant fall from grace. He faces ongoing criminal charges, including insurrection, which carries a potential life sentence. He is the second South Korean president to be removed from office by the Constitutional Court and the shortest-serving elected leader in the nation's democratic history.
Yoon's removal leaves South Korea, a key US ally, in a period of political uncertainty amidst a complex global situation.