Seoul, 4 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed from office after the Constitutional Court on Friday upheld his impeachment.

On December 3, Yoon declared martial law during a budget dispute with the opposition, plunging the country into crisis and leading to his impeachment by parliament.

Yoon justified his measure by accusing the opposition of acting against the state and being infiltrated by communists, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims.

In its unanimous ruling, the court argued that Yoon's imposition of martial law was not justified by a national crisis. Likewise, Yoon violated the law when he sent soldiers to the National Assembly to prevent a lifting of martial law.

Acting court chief Moon Hyung Bae read the ruling, which was broadcast live.

"The negative effects on the constitutional order and the repercussions from the defendant's violations of the law are grave, making the benefits of protecting the Constitution by dismissing the defendant larger than the national losses from dismissing the president by an overwhelming degree," Moon said.

Yoon's ruling People Power Party said it "humbly accepts" the court's ruling, while the main opposition Democratic Party welcomed it as a "people's victory," South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

The ruling means new elections must be held within 60 days. Prime Minister Han Duck Soo will remain as acting president until then.

According to recent polls, opposition leader Lee Jae Myung is the early favourite to become the next president. He narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election.

Ahead of the ruling, the area around the court was cordoned off. More than 14,000 police officers were deployed in central Seoul to prevent violent riots.

For Yoon, the legal battles are not over, despite the latest verdict. He is expected to stand trial on insurrection charges over his imposition of martial law. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.

MIA file photo