South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol removed from office

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol has been officially removed from office, the Constitutional court of South Korea unanimously ruled today. The decision follows a December 14 parliamentary vote, where a two-thirds majority favored ⁣Yoon’s impeachment after⁤ a failed power grab earlier that⁢ month.

yoon was arrested a day after the impeachment vote, becoming the first sitting South ⁣Korean president to be detained. He was released in March.

South Korea’s constitution stipulates that when parliament⁣ impeaches a president, the president ‍is immediately suspended. The Constitutional court then has 180 days to decide whether to uphold the impeachment.

Constitutional Court Ruling

The central issue before the court was whether Yoon⁢ violated the constitution by declaring a state of emergency. Under ‍South Korean ⁤law, a president⁢ can declare‍ a state of emergency if national security is threatened, the country is at war, or in a similar grave emergency. The court determined that the situation did not meet these criteria.

Presidential Election Imminent

A presidential election must be held within 60 days to select⁤ Yoon’s successor.

Security Measures in Place

Authorities have⁤ implemented security measures⁤ in ⁣the capital in anticipation of large gatherings. The area around the Constitutional Court ‍has ⁤been secured, with roadblocks⁤ and a heavy police presence.Approximately 7,000 officers are deployed near the court. Schools, temples, and museums in certain areas will be closed, and some metro stops will be bypassed.

Recent months have seen numerous demonstrations by both supporters and opponents⁤ of yoon. ⁣A pro-yoon ⁣presentation at the court in January resulted in injuries to 17 police officers.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning about potential political unrest and demonstrations,reminding foreigners that participation in demonstrations is illegal in South Korea.

Public Opinion Divided

Recent polls indicate ⁤that 35% of respondents consider DPK leader Lee⁢ Jae-Myung the moast ‍suitable presidential⁣ candidate. Lee‍ faced allegations of violating ⁤election law during the 2022 election but‍ was acquitted ‍in late March, clearing the way for his candidacy.

Kim Moon-Sooo, a former⁤ politician with conservative parties, ‍is favored by 10% of respondents.He currently serves as the partyless chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council of⁤ South Korea.

Though, approximately 34% of South ⁣Koreans remain undecided or believe there is no suitable candidate.

Gabi Hide, Correspondent East asia, contributed to this report.