Impeached South Korean President President Yoon Suk Yeol
Impeached South Korean President President Yoon Suk Yeol Photo: AP
South Korea's Constitutional Court is all set to present its verdict on Friday regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The court has stated that it will deliver its verdict at 11 AM local time on Friday.
This verdict will determine whether Yoon Suk Yeol is permanently removed from office or will be allowed to return until the next elections.
If Yoon's impeachment is upheld, the President will be officially removed from office, and fresh elections will be held within the next 60 days.
READ | South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol Impeached Over Martial Law Controversy
However, if the court rules in favour of the President, he will return to office and continue his presidential duties.
In order to oust Yoon, at least six or the court's eight judges must uphold the impeachment order.
With the verdict due on Friday, a fallout is expected based on the hearing. If the ruling goes against Yoon, protests from his supporters are expected to take over South Korea.
READ | Who Is President Yoon Seok Yeol
Why Was Yoon Impeached?
In December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law, citing a threat from communist forces and North Korea.
The leader further stated that martial law was imposed due to the opposition Democratic Party's "obstructionism and sympathetic stance towards North Korea."
However, this imposition of martial law resulted in huge protests and nationwide backlash. Yoon was forced to lift the martial law after six hours after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the imposition.