South Korea’s Constitutional Court to Announce Decision on President Yoon’s Impeachment
SEOUL: South Korea’s Constitutional Court will announce its decision on whether to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office permanently or reinstate him on April 4, the court said in a statement on Tuesday.
Background
Yoon was impeached by parliament on December 14 after being accused of violating his constitutional duty by declaring martial law in early December with no justifiable grounds. The suspended leader has said he never intended to fully impose military rule but instead meant to sound the alarm over the opposition Democratic Party’s abuse of its parliamentary majority that he argued was threatening to destroy the country.
Recent Developments
In his final statement before the court ended arguments on February 25, Yoon also said his decision to declare martial law was an appeal to the people to overcome "anti-state forces", pro-North Korea sympathizers, and opposition gridlock. The won reversed earlier losses to turn higher against the dollar after the announcement of the ruling date. The stock market’s benchmark KOSPI was up 1.5% after the announcement of the ruling, after pairing earlier gains to 0.5%.
Court’s Power
The court, which currently has eight justices with one seat vacant, can decide to oust Yoon only when six or more judges agree, according to South Korea’s constitution. The wait of more than a month for the time of the ruling has fueled a bitter clash between the ruling party, with many of its members calling for Yoon’s reinstatement, and the opposition, which has said his return would deal a serious blow to the country’s constitutional order.
Public Opinion
The looming decision has also deepened division among the public, with large crowds packing downtown streets in rallies for and against Yoon’s removal, with rhetoric becoming increasingly heated. Police are bracing for potential violence once the ruling is announced. A Gallup Korea poll released on Friday showed 60% of the respondents saying Yoon should be ousted.
Consequences
If Yoon is removed, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. Yoon is also on a separate criminal trial on charges of leading an insurrection by declaring martial law and faces the death penalty or life in prison if convicted, although South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.
Conclusion
The decision by the Constitutional Court is a crucial moment for South Korea’s political future, and the public is eagerly awaiting the outcome. The ruling has the potential to bring about significant changes to the country’s political landscape, and it is essential that the public remains informed and engaged in the process.
FAQs
- What is the date of the Constitutional Court’s decision on President Yoon’s impeachment?
April 4 - What is the current state of public opinion on President Yoon’s impeachment?
According to a Gallup Korea poll, 60% of respondents support Yoon’s removal. - What are the potential consequences of Yoon’s removal?
A new presidential election must be held within 60 days, and Yoon faces the possibility of the death penalty or life in prison if convicted of leading an insurrection. - How many judges must agree on Yoon’s removal for it to take effect?
Six or more judges must agree, according to South Korea’s constitution.