South Korea removes president Yoon Suk Yeol after impeachment ruling

In South Korea, political turmoil reached a peak when the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on April 4, 2025, to remove Yoon Suk Yeol from the presidency. This decision followed Yoon's impeachment by parliament in December due to a controversial martial law declaration he made in an attempt to address alleged threats from 'anti-state forces' and North Korea. His declaration was widely criticized for posing a grave threat to the country’s stability, and the court's upholding of his impeachment has triggered significant political consequences, including the announcement of a snap presidential election within the following 60 days. This political upheaval has created a sharp divide within South Korean society, with mass protests erupting both in support of and against Yoon, reflecting deep-seated tensions and polarization among the public. Since the impeachment, numerous supporters of Yoon have demonstrated in Seoul, expressing their discontent with the court's ruling and the upcoming snap election, showcasing the growing influence of extreme political factions. On the flip side, many citizens welcomed the court’s decision, celebrating the return to democratic principles after a period of uncertainty and fear. With the parliamentary announcement of a presidential election set for June 3, political analysts project that Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader and previous candidate, is the current frontrunner in the race as he adopts a more conciliatory stance regarding North Korea amid concerns over the direction of the nation following Yoon's presidency.