As the impeachment trial of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol unfolds, the world is witnessing an unprecedented moment in the nation’s modern history. With his powers suspended, his criminal trial looming, and the Constitutional Court deliberating whether he should be permanently removed from office, South Korea is at a crossroads. How the case plays out will not only determine Yoon’s fate but also test the resilience of South Korea’s democracy and judicial integrity.
The Charges and the Road to Impeachment
Yoon, a former prosecutor-turned-conservative politician, took office in 2022 after narrowly winning the election. His presidency, marked by controversial policies, hawkish foreign relations, and domestic turmoil, took a dramatic turn when he declared martial law in December 2024. This move—seen as an authoritarian overreach—prompted mass protests, leading to his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024.
The impeachment motion, which received 204 votes in favor (including 12 from his own party), centered on allegations that Yoon abused executive power to undermine democratic institutions. Notably, his attempt to use martial law to suppress political opposition—reminiscent of South Korea’s authoritarian past—became the tipping point. Now, the Constitutional Court must decide whether to permanently remove him from office.
The Constitutional Court’s Deliberation
On February 18, 2025 (Korean time), the 9th impeachment hearing took place, with both Yoon’s legal team and the National Assembly presenting their final arguments. With the trial nearing its conclusion, the court clarified key legal issues, finalized the evidence review, and set the stage for the crucial 10th hearing on February 20, where additional witness testimonies, including that of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, are expected.
One major issue looming over the proceedings is Yoon’s criminal trial, which is separate from the impeachment process but is also scheduled for February 20 in a Seoul district court. His defense team has requested a schedule change, arguing that he cannot attend both proceedings simultaneously, as the impeachment hearing focuses on his removal from office, while the criminal trial addresses charges of abuse of power and insurrection. The court’s response to this request could indicate how these parallel legal battles will unfold—whether they will proceed independently or if adjustments will be made to accommodate both cases.
February 20: A Decisive Moment
The 10th impeachment hearing on February 20 will be a pivotal moment in the trial. If the court moves forward as planned, it will feature additional witness testimonies, including that of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, a key figure in Yoon’s administration. This session is expected to be one of the final hearings before the court deliberates on the ruling. If the Constitutional Court denies Yoon’s request for a schedule change, he will face an intensely scrutinized legal battle on two fronts, with both his impeachment and criminal trial unfolding on the same day.
A Precarious Legal Battle: What’s Next?
While impeachment is a political process, Yoon also faces criminal prosecution for abuse of power and insurrection, making his case even more extraordinary. His legal troubles escalated dramatically on January 15, 2025, when he became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The Constitutional Court’s decision will determine whether Yoon is removed from office or reinstated. If removed, a special presidential election must be held within 60 days. If reinstated, Yoon would return to power but as a deeply weakened, lame-duck leader facing multiple criminal indictments.
The Bigger Picture: Democracy at a Crossroads
Yoon’s impeachment trial is more than a fight over his presidency—it is a battle for the future of South Korean democracy. South Korea has a history of removing leaders for corruption and abuse of power, but Yoon’s case is particularly volatile. The allegations against him resemble those of past military dictators, raising concerns about authoritarian backsliding in a nation that has long prided itself on democratic progress.
If the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment, it will reinforce the checks and balances in South Korea’s system. But if Yoon is reinstated, his return to power could deepen political divisions, embolden his supporters, and possibly provoke more instability.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning
As the world watches, South Korea’s Constitutional Court faces one of its most consequential rulings in history. Whether Yoon Suk-yeol is permanently removed or not, this case will set a precedent for executive accountability in South Korea. A decision favoring Yoon could signal that authoritarian tactics can be tolerated, while his removal would reaffirm that no leader is above the law.
For South Korea, this is not just about one man—it is about the strength of its democratic institutions. The verdict, expected in the coming weeks, will determine whether the country emerges stronger or more divided than ever before.
