South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Impeached

Mr. Yoon's rights were stripped away.

Due to his removal from office following the impeachment process, Mr. Yoon will be stripped of all the benefits he could have received as a former president, except for the right to protection.

The main benefits for former presidents typically include a pension equivalent to 95% of their annual salary while in office; support for projects honoring the president; provision of three secretaries and a driver; travel, media and office support; hospital treatment, and other benefits.

According to the law establishing and operating the National Cemetery in Korea, former presidents are buried there. However, those who are removed from office through impeachment or disciplinary action are not buried there. Therefore, Mr. Yoon also lost this right.

Declare emergency

Acting President Han declared an emergency to maintain public order and safety. Police arrested a protester who smashed their car window.

The Acting President Speaks Out

Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo vowed to maintain solid security and avoid leaving any gaps in national security and diplomacy. He pledged to do his best to ensure the upcoming presidential election goes smoothly.

Yoon supporters vandalize police car

Chaos broke out when President Yoon's supporters refused to accept the Constitutional Court's ruling, causing fights and damaging police vehicles.

Ruling party leader apologizes to the people

Ruling People Power Party leader Kwon Young-se apologized to the people and said he would work with the acting president to stabilize the country. "Violence must not be allowed," he said.

Ruling party accepts verdict

The ruling People Power Party said it accepted the court's ruling, while the opposition called it a "great victory" for the people.

Mr. Yoon's lawyers expressed disappointment, saying the verdict was politically motivated.

Mr. Yoon must leave the Presidential Palace.

Due to his impeachment, Mr. Yoon and his wife, Ms. Kim Keon-hee, have had to leave the Presidential Residence in Hannam-dong, central Seoul. If they return to their old home in southern Seoul, where they lived before he took office, Mr. Yoon and his wife will be provided with security measures. Under current law, an impeached president who does not complete his term is entitled to security protection for 10 years.

Deposed

"Because the defendant's unconstitutional violation has caused serious negative impacts and far-reaching consequences, we have decided to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office, with the consensus of all the judges," acting chief justice Moon said.

The decision takes effect immediately. South Korea will hold a presidential election to choose a successor to Mr. Yoon within 60 days. The election is widely expected to take place on June 3. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as acting president.

'Violation of the Constitution'

The Constitutional Court ruled that Mr. Yoon's declaration of martial law exceeded the scope of presidential powers as defined in the Constitution. His actions were unconstitutional.

"Martial law has interfered with judicial independence, violated the fundamental rights of the people, and seriously undermined the stability of the democratic republic," Judge Moon said.

The court began to present its conclusions.

Acting Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Korea Moon Hyung-bae began to state the court's conclusions on Mr. Yoon's martial law decision.

The court found that Mr. Yoon did not follow proper procedures when implementing martial law. Mr. Yoon's move violated the National Assembly's rights.

Judge Moon said it was "difficult" to view the opposition's actions as a serious national crisis that justified President Yoon's declaration of martial law.

Mr. Yoon also violated his duties as Commander-in-Chief by mobilizing troops on the night of martial law on December 3, 2024.