Photo credit: PCO

In a historic decision, South Korea's Constitutional Court has unanimously voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, effectively removing him from office after his controversial imposition of martial law back in December.

The ruling, which was read live by acting court chief Moon Hyung-bae, has immediate consequences—leading to the need for a snap presidential election to find Yoon’s successor within 60 days. Many are speculating that the election could be scheduled for June 3.

The impeachment stems from a series of actions taken by Yoon on December 3, when he declared martial law in a move that many critics say was a direct violation of South Korea’s Constitution. Yoon went as far as deploying military troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from overturning the decree, and even ordered the arrest of politicians who opposed it.

Moon Hyung-bae, in delivering the ruling, made it clear that the harm caused to the country’s constitutional order was too severe to overlook. He stated that the benefits of removing Yoon far outweighed any potential national losses from his dismissal. Essentially, the court concluded that Yoon did not meet the legal requirements to impose martial law and had acted beyond his presidential powers.

While members of Yoon’s People Power Party have expressed that they "humbly accept" the decision, the main opposition Democratic Party has hailed the ruling as a victory for the people of South Korea.

Now, the country faces the task of choosing a new leader—an event that is expected to take place sooner rather than later. For South Korea, this marks a major turning point in its political landscape, leaving many to wonder what’s next for the nation.