Yoon Suk Yeol Ousted South Korea President Resigns After Court Ruling

Seoul, April 4: Senior aides to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol offered to resign en masse on Friday, the presidential office said, after the Constitutional Court removed him from office over his failed martial law bid.

Key Points

Constitutional Court unanimously upholds Yoon's impeachment

Senior presidential aides submit mass resignations

Snap election to be held within 60 days

Yoon served less than three years of term

Yoon's chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik and 13 other aides submitted their resignations to acting President Han Duck-soo after the court upheld Yoon's impeachment over his short-lived martial law declaration in a unanimous vote.

In a statement after the ruling, Yoon said it was "an honour" to serve the country and he was sorry for not being able to meet people's expectations.

The Presidential office was in a somber mood as senior aides watched the live broadcast of the ruling from their offices, while Yoon viewed it from his residence in central Seoul.

Shortly after the announcement at 11:22 a.m., officials lowered the presidential flag displayed in front of the presidential office in Yongsan.

With the court's decision stripping him of office, Yoon is expected to vacate the presidential residence soon, Yonhap news agency reported.

It was unclear whether Yoon would move to his private residence in southern Seoul later in the day, as preparations may take time.

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye left the former presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae two days after her impeachment was upheld by the Constitutional Court in 2017.

Yoon and former First Lady Kim Keon Hee will continue to receive protection from the Presidential Security Service (PSS) for five years, which can be extended if the service's chief deems it necessary.

Yoon's security detail is expected to focus on guarding his residence, but the former President will not be provided with a security convoy when on the move.

The Constitutional Court's ruling came months after the National Assembly impeached Yoon on December 14 over his martial law declaration. Yoon served less than three years of his five-year term after taking office in May 2022.

With his ouster, the country will hold a snap presidential election within 60 days.

Reader Comments

James K.

This is such a historic moment for South Korea's democracy. The system worked exactly as it should - no one is above the law. Respect to the Constitutional Court for upholding the impeachment. 🇰🇷

Sarah L.

While I agree with the impeachment, I can't help but feel bad for the staff who had to resign. They probably worked hard for the country too. Hope they land on their feet.

Min J.

As a Korean citizen, I'm relieved but also worried about the upcoming election. We need stable leadership now more than ever. The martial law attempt was unacceptable though.

David R.

The article mentions Park Geun-hye's impeachment - interesting to see history repeat itself. Maybe South Korea needs to examine why presidents keep getting impeached before their terms end.

Aisha T.

That moment when they lowered the presidential flag must have been so symbolic. Powerful image of democracy in action. Hope the transition goes smoothly!

Tom P.

I think the article could have explained more about why the martial law declaration was so controversial. For international readers, some context would be helpful to understand the full picture.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:

South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol Presidential Impeachment Constitutional Court Political Crisis