South Korea on Edge as Constitutional Court Delays Impeachment Ruling on President Yoon
Seoul, South Korea – Political tensions in South Korea have reached a boiling point as the nation anxiously awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the impeachment of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. The delay has sparked growing frustration, with the opposition calling it “irresponsible” and warning of escalating social unrest.
Yoon was impeached by lawmakers following his controversial December 3 declaration of martial law, a move that ignited nationwide protests and legal battles. The Constitutional Court has spent weeks deliberating, making it the longest impeachment review in the country’s history. While experts initially predicted a verdict by mid-March, the court has yet to make an announcement, leaving both supporters and detractors in limbo.
Mass Demonstrations Erupt Across Seoul
Over the weekend, an estimated 100,000 people took to the streets of Seoul, with rival demonstrations underscoring the deep divisions within the country. Protesters demanding Yoon’s immediate removal clashed with his loyalists, who insist he has been unfairly targeted.
Kim Min-seok, an opposition lawmaker, condemned the court’s inaction, stating, “The nation and its people have reached their limits. Tension and patience have already been pushed beyond their bounds. Any further delay is abnormal and irresponsible.”
In response to rising tensions, South Korean authorities have implemented strict security measures, including an extended drone ban around the court. Initially set to expire last week, the ban has been prolonged on a rolling basis until the end of March, fueling speculation that the ruling could be imminent.
Police Brace for Unrest Amid Verdict Speculation
With no official court announcement on the verdict’s timing, speculation continues to dominate public discourse. The Yonhap news agency suggested the ruling could come later this week, though legal experts caution against making assumptions.
Yoo Jung-hoon, a prominent attorney and political analyst, dismissed the rumors, stating, “Without an official court announcement, all predictions remain purely speculative.”
Authorities, however, are preparing for the worst. Security forces have been placed on high alert, with riot police undergoing additional training, including the use of pepper spray and batons. Police officials have also indicated they may temporarily close nearby businesses and gas stations on the day of the verdict to prevent violent clashes.
Yoon’s supporters have already demonstrated their willingness to resort to force. Earlier this year, they stormed a Seoul court after a judge extended Yoon’s detention, smashing windows and doors in a chaotic display of defiance. Police officials have warned that any similar outbreaks of violence around the impending verdict will be met with a swift and forceful response.
Criminal Trial Looms Over Yoon’s Political Future
Beyond impeachment, Yoon faces an even more severe legal battle—his upcoming criminal trial on insurrection charges for declaring martial law. This historic case marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced a criminal trial while still in office. He was initially detained in a January dawn raid but was released in early March on procedural grounds.
Yoon’s unexpected release has emboldened his supporters, who have ramped up their demonstrations, demanding his full reinstatement. Political analysts warn that if the court rules against him, his backers may view the decision as illegitimate, deepening political divisions and destabilizing the country further.
Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, cautioned that the court’s decision could have far-reaching consequences. “The Constitutional Court is on the verge of ruling that Yoon’s martial law attempt was unconstitutional and that he should be removed from office,” he said. “But that decision is now slightly more uncertain and could be seen as illegitimate by a significant number of South Koreans.”
Uncertain Days Ahead
As South Korea stands at a crossroads, the Constitutional Court’s ruling could shape the country’s democratic trajectory for years to come. With public anger mounting and security concerns escalating, authorities are under immense pressure to maintain order in the face of a potentially explosive outcome.
Whether the court ultimately upholds Yoon’s impeachment or reinstates him, the decision will undoubtedly have profound political and social ramifications. For now, South Koreans remain on edge, bracing for what may be one of the most consequential legal rulings in their nation’s history.
Reference
South Korea opposition urges swift ruling on president’s fate