South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Impeached Following Martial Law Declaration

Yoon’s unprecedented move to impose martial law has led to his suspension, with the Constitutional Court set to decide his political fate.

President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on December 3, citing threats from 'antistate forces,' but the move was quickly overturned by South Korea's National Assembly.
The impeachment vote passed overwhelmingly, suspending Yoon from office, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stepping in as acting president during the Constitutional Court's review.
The martial law declaration, the first in over 40 years, triggered massive protests and accusations of authoritarian overreach, with Yoon’s approval rating plunging to 11%.
Opposition leaders allege Yoon’s actions were influenced by efforts to shield his wife, Kim Keon-hee, from corruption investigations, further fueling public outrage.
The Constitutional Court, currently operating with six justices, has up to 180 days to rule on the impeachment, with potential new elections required if Yoon is permanently removed.