South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office after months of political uncertainty. Yoon, who had declared martial law in December, faces ongoing criminal charges and will be replaced through a new election within 60 days.

South Korea's Constitutional Court delivered a unanimous ruling on Friday, officially removing the country's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, from office, bringing an end to months of political instability. This ruling concluded a prolonged political struggle between President Yoon and South Korean authorities following his impeachment by the National Assembly. The impeachment stemmed from his declaration of a brief martial law in December of the previous year, a move that sent shockwaves around the world.

The court's decision came after a comprehensive legal battle, with eight justices of the Constitutional Court collectively supporting the National Assembly’s impeachment of Yoon. This was the final step in the process to permanently oust him, following an initial parliamentary vote to impeach on December 14. In accordance with South Korean law, at least six justices are required to confirm the impeachment and remove a president. In this case, Yoon needed the support of just three of the eight justices in the court to survive the impeachment and maintain his presidency.

With this decision, the country can now move forward with greater political clarity, marking the end of the uncertainty that has persisted since December. The next step will be organizing a new presidential election within the next 60 days to elect a successor.

In a statement issued through his lawyers following the court's ruling, President Yoon expressed his gratitude and remorse. “It has been a great honor for me to work for the country,” he said. “I thank those who supported and cheered me despite my shortcomings. I am regretful and sorry that I could not live up to your expectations.”

However, Yoon's legal troubles are far from over. He is still facing criminal insurrection charges related to his imposition of martial law in a separate trial that commenced in February. He was arrested in January on these charges and spent 52 days in detention before being released last month following a court decision.