South Korea Awaits President Yoon’s Fate on April 4

South Korea’s Constitutional Court is set to rule on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment case this Friday, April 4, 2025. The court’s decision will determine whether Yoon will be officially removed from office or reinstated.

Yoon’s impeachment saga began on December 3, when he attempted to subvert civilian rule by sending armed soldiers into parliament. Lawmakers defied the troops and voted down the measure, leading to Yoon’s impeachment. However, the country has been in leadership limbo ever since, with the economy taking a hit amidst US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

For Yoon to be removed from office, at least six of the court’s eight justices must vote in favor. If confirmed, his impeachment would trigger elections within 60 days.

Yoon, a former prosecutor, has been detained on insurrection charges but was released in early March on procedural grounds. He has blamed the “malicious” opposition for the case against him and is also the first sitting South Korean president to stand trial in a criminal case.

Attorney Noh Hee-bum expects a unanimous ruling to remove Yoon from office, stating, “The primary role of the Constitutional Court is to protect and uphold the Constitution, which Yoon’s declaration of martial law directly violated.”

Yoon’s party has welcomed the court’s move, hoping for a “fair and impartial” verdict that won’t lead to further social unrest. The opposition Democratic Party believes the court will “demonstrate its firm resolve to defend the constitutional order” by removing Yoon from office.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is currently the frontrunner to win the election that would be triggered by Yoon’s formal dismissal. However, an appeals court’s recent overturning of an election law conviction against Lee may impact his eligibility to run.