South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party has urged the Constitutional Court to deliver a swift verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, warning that delays are fueling social divisions and political uncertainty.
As the court entered its third week of deliberations, tensions continued to rise between Yoon’s critics, who demand his permanent removal over a controversial martial law declaration, and his supporters, who seek his reinstatement.
The Democratic Party, which controls parliament, has emphasised the need for a prompt decision. Speaking at a party meeting on Monday, senior member Kim Min-seok said, “The country and the people have come to the breaking point. Further delay is not normal and irresponsible.”
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has a history of acting swiftly in impeachment cases. In 2017, it took just 11 days after final arguments to remove former President Park Geun-hye from office.
Yoon was impeached in December after parliament accused him of violating his constitutional duty by imposing martial law. The impeachment motion stated that his actions posed a “grave threat to the rule of law” and rendered him unfit for office.
Yoon, however, has defended his decision, insisting that the martial law declaration was necessary to combat “anti-state”elements. He claimed he never intended to fully enforce military rule.
The delay in the court’s ruling has triggered mass protests in Seoul, with citizens frustrated by the prolonged uncertainty. Many argue that the delay has worsened political polarisation and hindered government operations.
Beyond impeachment, Yoon faces a separate criminal trial on insurrection charges, which carry the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The crisis has also led to the prosecution of senior military officials involved in the martial law decree, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, whose trial begins Monday.
Meanwhile, the country’s leadership remains in turmoil. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who briefly served as acting president after Yoon’s suspension on December 14, has also been impeached. Currently, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is leading the government.
As the Constitutional Court weighs its decision, the nation remains on edge, with both political factions preparing for potential upheaval depending on the outcome.
Melissa Enoch
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