South Korea: Court Set to Decide Yoon Impeachment

Corporate News Desk:  South Korea’s Constitutional Court will announce its verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment at 11 a.m. on April 4, bringing an end to a months-long political crisis that began with the controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. The nation remains sharply divided as the historic ruling approaches, with neither President Yoon nor opposition leader Lee Jae-myung publicly committing to accept the court’s decision.

Legal insiders revealed on April 3 that the court’s justices held a final meeting to deliberate on the impeachment case. While the decision is nearly finalized, last-minute discussions could still take place before the official announcement. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae will preside over the ruling, which requires at least six out of eight justices to vote in favor for Yoon’s removal. If convicted, Yoon would become only the second South Korean president to be impeached, following Park Geun-hye in 2017. If acquitted, he will resume his presidential duties without delay.

Ahead of the verdict, both Yoon and Lee remained silent on whether they would respect the court’s decision. President Yoon, who opted not to attend the hearing due to security concerns, has yet to make a formal statement. However, insiders suggest he may address the public after the ruling is issued.

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung avoided directly commenting on the impeachment case during a visit to commemorate the victims of the Jeju April 3 Incident. Instead, he drew parallels between past state violence and the current political turmoil, stating, “Because past atrocities were never properly condemned, we now face the return of authoritarian rule under martial law.”

With tensions running high, rival protest groups have pledged to gather near the Constitutional Court, Gwanghwamun Plaza, and the presidential residence, regardless of the outcome. Calls are growing for both Yoon and Lee to urge restraint among their supporters to prevent further unrest.

The political divide remains stark, as ruling party interim leader Kwon Young-se blamed the opposition for the crisis, while Democratic Party spokesperson Noh Jong-myeon argued that Yoon himself must take responsibility. The nation now awaits a ruling that could reshape its political future.

Ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Criminal Probes as Nation Prepares for Snap Election

 

With the Constitutional Court upholding his impeachment, former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been stripped of office and now faces potential criminal investigations, including treason charges over his controversial imposition of martial law last December.

The court’s landmark decision, delivered Friday, marks the dramatic end to Yoon’s presidency just 111 days after his suspension—a period marked by nationwide protests over his emergency decree, which was ruled a severe constitutional violation.

Loss of Presidential Privileges

With his removal, Yoon loses key entitlements reserved for former heads of state:
– No pension (previously 95% of a sitting president’s salary)
– No state-funded aides or drivers
– No eligibility for burial at a national cemetery
– Mandatory relocation from the Hannam-dong presidential residence, though no strict deadline has been set.

Yoon is expected to return to his private home in Seocho District, but security officials have yet to begin moving preparations. Past precedent suggests he may follow ex-President Park Geun-hye, who vacated the residence within two days of her 2017 impeachment.

Security & Legal Peril

Despite losing office, Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee will retain state security for at least five years, extendable to ten if deemed necessary. However, these protections will be suspended if he is arrested during any investigation.

Legal experts anticipate multiple criminal probes, beginning with treason allegations over his martial law declaration. Investigations into First Lady Kim’s scandals and ties to political fixer Myung Tae-kyun could also accelerate. While sitting presidents enjoy immunity from most prosecutions, Yoon’s ousting removes that shield.

 

President Election Within 60 Days

With the presidency now vacant, South Korea must elect a new leader by early June. Acting President Han Duck-soo must announce the election date within 10 days, with voting likely set for June 3—mirroring the 60-day timeline after Park Geun-hye’s removal.

Opposition frontrunner Lee Jae-myung, head of the Democratic Party, is poised to run despite past legal troubles. A recent acquittal on election law violations has bolstered his candidacy, though prosecutors have appealed. If elected, his ongoing trials could be suspended.

Meanwhile, Yoon’s downfall leaves a fractured political landscape, with rivals blaming his administration for the crisis. As prosecutors prepare their next moves, the nation braces for a pivotal election that could redefine its future.

Key Points:
– Yoon loses immunity, faces treason and corruption probes.
– Must leave presidential residence but timeline unclear.
– Snap election by June 3; Lee Jae-myung likely opposition candidate.
– Security remains for Yoon and First Lady unless arrested.

Cn/GNS