South Korea’s Opposition Slams Constitutional Court’s Delay on Yoon Impeachment Ruling, Escalating Political Tensions

The opposition Democratic Party of South Korea has condemned the delay in the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, characterizing it as “irresponsible” and exacerbating societal divisions. The party has urged the court to make a swift decision, as the deliberations extended into their third week. Tensions between those advocating for Yoon’s removal and his supporters have intensified amid the ongoing delay.
The court concluded its hearings on February 25, during which President Yoon defended his December declaration of temporary martial law, asserting that it was necessary to eliminate “anti-state” elements, though he emphasized that he did not intend to impose full emergency military rule.
Kim Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party, expressed concern, stating, “The country and the people are nearing a breaking point,” and called for a prompt and responsible decision from the court. He further remarked that any additional delay would be “irresponsible.” For context, former President Park Geun-hye was removed from office just 11 days after the final arguments in her 2017 impeachment trial.
Mass protests have occurred in Seoul, with many citizens demanding Yoon’s removal and expressing frustration with the delay, which has contributed to confusion and uncertainty.
Yoon was impeached by the Democratic Party-controlled parliament in December, charged with violating his constitutional duties and posing a significant threat to the rule of law. He is also facing a separate criminal trial for allegedly leading an insurrection, an offense punishable by death or life imprisonment.
The fallout from Yoon’s martial law declaration has deepened political rifts between conservatives and liberals, further dividing public opinion and placing significant strain on governmental institutions. Several senior military officials have been relieved of their duties and are facing criminal charges in connection with the martial law decree. The trial of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on insurrection charges is set to commence on Monday.
In the wake of Yoon’s impeachment and suspension on December 14, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo briefly assumed the role of acting president but has since also been impeached. Currently, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is leading the country.