Unanimous control has thwarted growth in Asia’s fourth-largest economy, and has kept months of political turmoil that veiled US President Donald Trump’s efforts to deal with the new administration.
According to the constitution, a presidential election must take place within 60 days. Prime Minister Handak will continue to serve as acting president until the new president takes office.
“The unanimous Constitutional Court decision removed a major cause of uncertainty,” said Professor Rafe Eric Easley of EWHA University in Seoul. “And it’s not too soon. Considering how Seoul’s next administration must navigate North Korea’s military threat, China’s diplomatic pressure, and Trump’s trade tariffs.”
Director Moon Han Bae said that Yoon violated his presidential duties in the Declaration of Martial Law on December 3, acting beyond constitutional authority, a “serious challenge to democracy.”
“(Yun) committed a serious betrayal of the trust of those who are sovereign members of the Democratic Republic,” Moon said, adding that Yun’s declaration of martial law has created chaos in all areas of society, economy and foreign policy.
Thousands of people yelled at the rally calling for Yun’s expulsion, including hundreds who camped overnight, chanted “We’ve won!” and erupted into wild cheers upon hearing the ruling.
“It took a long time, but I’m lucky that it was a wise outcome,” said Kim Han Sol, a 23-year-old student at a rally that saw the verdict outside the court, the report added.
MA/PR