Democratic party urges swift ruling on president Yoon's impeachment

South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party has called for a swift ruling from the Constitutional Court on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, citing concerns that ongoing delays could worsen political divisions and uncertainty.

South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party on Monday urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, warning that delays could deepen political divisions.

The court has been deliberating for over three weeks following Yoon’s impeachment in December over his declaration of martial law. Supporters seek his reinstatement, while critics argue his actions violated constitutional duties.

Yoon defended the move, saying it aimed to counter "anti-state" threats and was not meant to impose full military rule. Final arguments concluded on 25 February.

Democratic Party official Kim Min-seok called further delay "abnormal and irresponsible." In 2017, former President Park Geun-hye was removed 11 days after her impeachment trial ended.

Protests have taken place in Seoul, both in support of and against Yoon’s removal. His impeachment motion accused him of endangering the rule of law, and he also faces a separate criminal trial for alleged insurrection.

The martial law decree has widened political divisions and disrupted governance. Several senior military officials have been suspended, with former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun’s trial beginning Monday.

Following Yoon’s suspension on 14 December, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo briefly served as acting president before also being impeached. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok currently leads the government.

Copied