South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party has called on the Constitutional Court to expedite its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, labeling the ongoing delay as “irresponsible” and a catalyst for deepening social divisions. As the court deliberates into its third week, tensions escalate between those advocating for Yoon’s removal due to his controversial declaration of a short-lived martial law in December and his supporters who seek his reinstatement.
The court concluded its arguments on February 25, during which Yoon defended the martial law declaration as necessary to eliminate “anti-state” elements, asserting that he never intended to fully enforce emergency military rule.
“The country and the people have come to the breaking point,” said Kim Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party leadership. He stressed the need for the court’s decisive action, emphasizing that further delays are unacceptable and irresponsible.
Historical precedents loom large over the current situation; in 2017, former president Park Geun-hye was ousted just 11 days after the Constitutional Court’s final arguments in her impeachment trial.
In Seoul, large crowds have gathered in support of Yoon’s removal, expressing frustration over the prolonged uncertainty, which they believe exacerbates confusion. The impeachment motion, passed by the Democratic Party-controlled parliament in December, accused Yoon of violating his constitutional duties and committing acts that pose a grave threat to the rule of law.
Compounding this political crisis, Yoon is also facing a separate criminal trial for charges of leading an insurrection, a crime that carries severe penalties, including death or life imprisonment.
The fallout from Yoon’s martial law declaration has intensified divisions between conservatives and liberals, straining governmental institutions and stalling key policy decisions. Several high-ranking military officials have been relieved of duty and are now facing criminal trials related to the martial law decree, with arguments in the trial of former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun beginning on Monday.
In the wake of Yoon’s impeachment and suspension from power on December 14, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who briefly acted as president, has also been impeached. The country is currently being led by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok as the political landscape remains tumultuous.
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