South Korea’s Constitutional Court to Rule on President Yoon’s Impeachment on April 4

South Korea’s Constitutional Court will issue its highly anticipated ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment on Friday, April 4, 2025. This decision follows months of political turmoil after Yoon was suspended for declaring martial law and deploying armed soldiers into parliament.

Political Crisis and Impeachment

The crisis began on December 3, 2024, when Yoon attempted to override civilian rule by sending troops into the National Assembly. Lawmakers defied the military presence, voting against the measure and subsequently impeaching him. His removal from office led to months of political instability, which has impacted South Korea’s economy and governance.

Since his suspension, the country has been in a state of leadership uncertainty, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo serving as acting president. The turmoil has also unfolded amid growing tensions in international trade, particularly with the United States imposing new tariffs on the region.

Constitutional Court Proceedings

The Constitutional Court has held weeks of hearings to determine whether to officially remove Yoon from office. The final ruling will require at least six out of eight justices to vote in favour of his impeachment. If confirmed, the decision would trigger a presidential election that must be held within 60 days.

Speculation about the outcome has intensified, with some analysts suggesting the justices may have faced internal disagreements given the length of deliberations.

Public Reactions and Political Implications

Yoon’s impeachment has sharply divided public opinion. Every weekend, hundreds of thousands of South Koreans have gathered in central Seoul, either rallying in support of or protesting against him. Recent polls indicate that approximately 60% of the public favours his removal.

The opposition Democratic Party has welcomed the upcoming verdict, stating:

> “We believe the Court will uphold the founding principles of the Republic of Korea and remove Yoon Suk Yeol, the insurrectionist, from office.”



Meanwhile, Yoon’s People Power Party has expressed hope that the ruling will be “fair and impartial,” calling for national unity regardless of the outcome.

Legal Challenges and Future Prospects

In addition to the impeachment case, Yoon faces a criminal trial on insurrection charges related to his martial law declaration. If convicted, he could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment. He remains the first sitting South Korean president to stand trial on such charges.

If Yoon is officially removed from office, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is currently the frontrunner in the upcoming election. However, a past election law conviction against him was recently overturned, and if reinstated, he may be barred from running for office.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling is expected to have significant consequences for South Korea’s political landscape, economic stability, and foreign relations, particularly concerning North Korea and U.S. policies in the region.