South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office after trying to stage armed coup
SOUTH Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed from office after attempting to stage an armed coup in the country.
The leader had declared martial law and violated the constitution by mobilising military and police forces to obstruct the parliament in December.
The declaration of martial law, which lasted only about six hours, sparked the country’s worst political crisis in decades.
The judges said in their ruling that Yoon’s actions “violate the core principles of the rule of law and democratic governance”.
They also slammed him for deploying troops for “political purpose”.
Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae said Yoon violated his duty as president and acted beyond his constitutional powers.
He added: “[Yoon] committed a grave betrayal of the people’s trust
“Sending armed soldiers to parliament in a bid to prevent lawmakers from voting down his decree violated the political neutrality of the armed forces.”
Yoon apologised to the people of South Korea for not living up to expectations.
He said: “I am so sorry and regretful that I couldn’t live up to your expectations,” Yoon said in a message delivered via his lawyers.
“I’ll always pray for the Republic of Korea and everyone.”
Violent scenes erupted outside the National Assembly building in Seoul after Yoon issued the martial order in December.
The military stormed the parliament, and all the political parties were banned.
Footage showed cops blocking the entrance and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the main building to stop crowds from pouring through the gates.
Yoon’s removal, which is effective immediately, triggers fresh presidential elections, which must be held within 60 days.
Supporters of Yoon, who were gathered near his official residence,e watched the ruling on a big screen in stunned silence.
Some reacted in anger, with one protester arrested for smashing a police bus window, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Others held their heads in their hands and wept.
Following the ruling, the country’s acting president, Han Duck-soo, vowed in a televised address to maintain stability and “ensure that there is no vacuum in national security or foreign affairs”.
South Korea‘s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung hailed the Constitutional Court‘s verdict removing the former president from office.
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon struggled to push through his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament.
His conservative People Power Party had been in a deadlock with the opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill.
He also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials – drawing strong rebukes from his political rivals.
Yoon has now lost executive immunity and has to face a long, complex criminal trial on insurrection charges, with jail time or even the death penalty if found guilty.
What is martial law?
MARTIAL law is the temporary replacement of a civilian government with military rule - typically during war or major disasters.
Historically, it has been brought in after coups, during protests, to suppress political dissent or stabilise insurrections.
It involves the military taking control of the normal legal system and control of civilians.
Ordinary laws and civil liberties may be suspended under martial law.
It is a drastic measure with significant implications for individual freedoms and the rule of law.
While it’s meant to be temporary, martial law can be indefinite.