South Korea's constitutional court upholds impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korea's Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of the deposed President Yoon Suk Yeol, validating the parliamentary vote that ousted him from office.The eight-judge panel unanimously held that Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3 violated the country's constitution and did not follow due processes.

Martial law and its aftermath

Yoon had asserted that the opposition Democratic Party was abusing its parliamentary majority, necessitating martial law to drive out "anti-state" forces. But the court said Yoon's actions were beyond his constitutional authority and inflicted "serious damage" on the stability of the Republic.

Acting president to stay in office

With the approval of the impeachment by the court, acting president Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will continue to hold office until the installation of the new president. According to the South Korean Constitution, the presidential election should be done within 60 days from the ruling of the highest court.

Yoon's future uncertain

Yoon, the initial incumbent South Korean president to be arrested on insurrection charges, was released after a court annulled his arrest warrant. His future is unclear as he will undergo a criminal trial for masterminding insurrection.