South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted by the Constitutional Court on Friday after the court upheld parliament’s impeachment motion. Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law last year sparked a political crisis and was deemed a violation of his presidential duties.

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• South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted by the Constitutional Court after an impeachment motion was upheld.
• Yoon’s martial law declaration in December 2024 led to the country’s worst political crisis in decades.
• The court ruled that Yoon’s actions violated constitutional powers and challenged the democratic system.
• Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president until the new presidential election is held within 60 days.
• The ruling was unanimous among the eight justices, with Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae stating Yoon betrayed public trust.
• Yoon’s declaration of martial law aimed to combat “anti-state” elements and alleged abuse of parliamentary power.
• Martial law was lifted six hours later after parliament voted to reject it, but protests continued for months.
• The ruling has prompted celebrations from thousands of people who rallied for Yoon’s removal.
• Yoon faces a criminal trial on insurrection charges following his arrest in January 2025, though he was later released.
• It remains unclear if the court ruling will ease the political chaos caused by Yoon’s actions.