South Korea has endured months of political turmoil since President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in December, sending soldiers into parliament in his attempt to subvert civilian rule.
The Constitutional Court delivered the long-awaited ruling, ousting Yoon, whose impeachment it had earlier suspended. The development will potentially bring an end to the unrest.
Here is a recap of events:
- December 3: Martial Law
- On December 3, after a budget tussle with the opposition, Yoon took to television to declare martial law in a flashback to South Korea’s authoritarian past.
- He said he wanted to protect the country against “threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness”.
- Armed troops headed to parliament, scaling fences, smashing windows and landing by helicopter in an apparent bid to stop lawmakers from overturning the decree.
- As thousands of protesters gathered outside, lawmakers voted 190-0 to nullify Yoon’s declaration in the early hours of December 4.
- Soldiers began withdrawing and Yoon reappeared on television and lifted martial law. Protesters celebrated. Yoon went to ground.
- December 4: Impeachment Plan
- The opposition immediately vowed on December 4 to push for impeachment and file an official motion.
- They filed separate complaints of “insurrection” against Yoon, his defence and interior ministers, and “key military and police figures involved, such as the martial law commander and the police chief”.
- Police announced they are investigating Yoon and others for “insurrection”.
- December 14: Yoon Impeached
- Out of 300 lawmakers, 204 voted to impeach Yoon and 85 voted against the motion — their second attempt after a failed vote a week earlier.
- Yoon is suspended from office while South Korea’s Constitutional Court has six months to deliberate on the vote.
- Prime Minister Han Duck-soo becomes the nation’s acting leader.
- The vote is followed by scenes of jubilation among tens of thousands of demonstrators in front of the parliament building.
