From Impeachment to Treason Trial: The Story of South Korea's Second Presidential Impeachment in History

1. A Shocking Moment in South Korean History: The Removal of a Sitting President

What secrets lie behind the unprecedented removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, only the second sitting president in South Korea’s constitutional history to be ousted? On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Korea opened a new chapter in the nation’s political history with a single landmark ruling.

The Second Removal of a Sitting President in Constitutional History

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol was dismissed on April 4, 2025, following a unanimous impeachment ruling by all eight justices of the Constitutional Court. The weight of this decision is immense, marking only the second time in South Korean history that a sitting president has been removed from office. This historic event demonstrates the working checks and balances of Korean democracy in full force.

The Political Fallout Triggered by the Declaration of Martial Law

The spark that led to Yoon’s impeachment dates back to December 3, 2024. On that day, Yoon declared a nationwide state of emergency under the pretext of “rooting out pro-North anti-state forces and protecting the Republic of Korea.” This move immediately plunged the government into chaos and caused his approval rating to plummet by a staggering 7.7 percentage points, according to subsequent polls.

The massive surge in pro- and anti-impeachment rallies following the martial law declaration revealed the raw anger and fear of the people. This overwhelming public voice is widely believed to have influenced the Constitutional Court’s ultimate judgment.

Legal Proceedings and the Current Status

Before his removal, Yoon was subjected to an arrest warrant executed on January 15 and a detention warrant issued on January 19. However, on March 7, Judge Ji Gui-yeon of the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the grounds for detention were insufficient and ordered his release.

Yoon is currently on trial for charges of leading an insurrection. The law prescribes severe penalties, including the death sentence, life imprisonment, or life incarceration without parole. The trial began with sentencing hearings on January 9, and the coming sessions will feature the special prosecutor’s sentencing request and Yoon’s final defense, capturing the nation’s rapt attention on what the future holds.

Regime Change and the Dawn of a New Era

The political upheaval sparked by the martial law crisis precipitated an early 21st presidential election, resulting in Lee Jae-myung’s victory and a peaceful transfer of power. Immediately following the inauguration of the Lee administration, three major special prosecutors’ laws were enacted, initiating thorough investigations into the Yoon government’s controversies.

This extraordinary event in South Korean history serves as a critical barometer of just how robust democracy’s safeguards are against the abuse of power.

Section 2: Yoon Seok-yeol's Declaration of Martial Law and Its Fallout

On December 3, 2024, Yoon Seok-yeol declared martial law nationwide under the pretext of "eradicating pro-North Korean anti-state forces." As a result, his approval rating plummeted by a staggering 7.7 percentage points. Why was the public's reaction so chillingly indifferent?

Yoon Seok-yeol’s Decision to Declare Martial Law

At the time, former President Yoon made a bold decision, claiming it was to "eradicate pro-North Korean anti-state elements and safeguard the Free Republic of Korea." This was far from a mere policy announcement. The nationwide declaration of martial law led to the establishment of a martial law command and the mobilization of military forces, sparking a major shift in South Korea’s political history.

Immediate Public Backlash and Sharp Decline in Approval Ratings

The public opinion polls taken immediately after the martial law declaration revealed a startling truth: Yoon’s support nosedived by 7.7 percentage points, shaking his popular support to its core. This stark drop underscored the deep public rejection and concern over the drastic measure.

Triggering Political Upheaval

The plunge in approval ratings went beyond mere numbers. Pro- and anti-impeachment rallies against martial law spread extensively across the nation, deepening political and social divisions. This crisis ultimately undermined Yoon’s political foundation and culminated in an impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court.

The consequences of declaring martial law left profound political reverberations far richer than statistics alone could capture.

3. From Impeachment to Dismissal: The Dramatic Legal Unfolding of Former President Yoon Suk-yeol

From the unanimous dismissal decision by eight justices to the issuance of arrest warrants and the later release from detention, the removal process of former President Yoon Suk-yeol vividly exposed the intricate entanglement of the judiciary and politics in South Korea’s constitutional history. Let’s delve into what transpired during this process and what its implications truly are.

The Constitutional Court’s Unanimous Dismissal Decision

On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court delivered its impeachment ruling against Yoon Suk-yeol. The moment when all eight justices unanimously decided on dismissal transcended a mere legal verdict; it carried profound constitutional significance. This was recorded as only the second time in South Korean history that a sitting president was removed from office, symbolizing the end of a constitutional crisis triggered by the extreme measure of declaring martial law.

The unanimity is particularly noteworthy. The fact that all justices reached the same conclusion signals that Yoon’s impeachment was not a matter of political conflict but a clear legal judgment that he had blatantly violated constitutional principles.

The Issuance of Arrest Warrants and Detention Procedures

Even before the dismissal decision, Yoon Suk-yeol was subjected to legal prosecution. On January 15, 2025, prosecutors executed an arrest warrant for him, followed by the issuance of a detention warrant on January 19. This marked the entry into formal investigation and legal proceedings under charges of leading a rebellion.

However, the judicial process was far from straightforward. On March 7, Judge Ji Gui-yeon of the Seoul Central District Court ruled that the grounds for detention were insufficient and decided on Yoon’s release. This decision sparked intense debate within both legal and political circles over the standards for detention and release, laying bare the tense balance between the judiciary and political forces.

Ongoing Criminal Trial

Following his dismissal, Yoon is currently on trial facing charges of leading a rebellion. The final hearing which began on January 9, 2025, saw prolonged examination of documentary evidence by the defense, leading to an additional session scheduled for January 13. In forthcoming proceedings, prosecutors will present their sentencing demands, and former President Yoon will deliver his closing statement.

The punishments under the charge of leading a rebellion are limited to the death penalty, life imprisonment, or life imprisonment with hard labor — underscoring the grave severity with which this crime is regarded.

The Complex Relationship Between Law and Politics

The entire path from Yoon’s impeachment to dismissal illustrates the dynamic interplay between judicial rulings and political repercussions. The Constitutional Court’s unanimous dismissal underscored the judiciary’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles, while the decision to release him highlighted the court’s cautious approach to legal rigor and procedural fairness.

This series of legal actions not only signals that checks on abuse of power functioned within a democratic society but also stands as a record of just how complex and challenging such processes can be.

4. Yoon Seok-yeol Faces Trial Again on Charges of Leading a Rebellion

Yoon Seok-yeol, currently on trial for leading a rebellion—a charge that could bring the death penalty or life imprisonment—is once again at the center of a heated courtroom battle. What outcome will emerge from the fierce legal confrontation between his defense team and the special prosecution?

The Start of Criminal Proceedings After Dismissal

Following the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss him, Yoon now stands trial on charges of leading a rebellion. This marks the beginning of serious judicial proceedings that go beyond mere political repercussions to address criminal accountability. The current decisive hearing commenced on January 9, with both sides fiercely contesting their legal arguments.

The Intense Courtroom Struggle Unfolds

The defense's prolonged examination of documentary evidence has extended the trial schedule. An additional hearing is set for January 13, during which the special prosecution will present its sentencing recommendation and Yoon will deliver his final statement. This marks the crucial closing phase of the trial, edging closer to the final verdict.

The Stark Reality of Severe Sentencing

The legal penalties for leading a rebellion are limited to the death penalty, life imprisonment, or indefinite imprisonment with labor—the gravest crimes under the criminal code. The forthcoming judgment will reveal just how dire the consequences might be for Yoon. The court’s sentencing decision is expected to have profound implications not only for domestic politics but also for the stature of the judiciary.

Courtroom Tension Builds Toward a Historic Verdict

This trial transcends the legal responsibility of a single individual, carrying profound historical significance within constitutional history. Every event stemming from the declaration of martial law is being reexamined in court, underscoring the judiciary’s critical role in safeguarding the constitution and the rule of law. The verdict to come will likely serve as a pivotal benchmark shaping the future of democracy and legal order in South Korea.

Section 5: The Era of Regime Change and a New Beginning

With the emergency martial law crisis bringing about a regime change, the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration, and the enactment of the Three Special Prosecutor Laws, Korea stands at a pivotal moment of political transformation. Where will the Republic of Korea head from here?

Yoon Seok-yeol’s Martial Law and Political Upheaval

On December 3, 2024, former President Yoon Seok-yeol’s declaration of emergency martial law sent shockwaves through Korean political history. This event was not merely a political incident but triggered a profound upheaval that accelerated the presidential election timeline. The immediate and dramatic shift in public opinion following the martial law declaration clearly reflected the people's desires, ultimately becoming the decisive catalyst for regime change.

The Inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung Government and Political Reform

As a result of the early presidential election, candidate Lee Jae-myung was elected, marking the beginning of a new administration. The Lee government took on the task of stabilizing the chaotic aftermath of its predecessor and restoring effective governance. Regime change here signified more than just a transfer of power — it represented a shift in the political paradigm itself.

Enactment of the Three Special Prosecutor Laws and Anti-Corruption Investigations

One of the most notable developments shortly after Lee Jae-myung’s inauguration was the enactment of the Three Special Prosecutor Laws. These laws laid the legal groundwork to systematically investigate various suspicions that arose during Yoon Seok-yeol’s administration. With expanded authority for special prosecutors, anti-corruption investigations gained momentum, becoming a key institutional step towards enhancing governmental transparency.

Korea’s New Direction

The regime change triggered by the martial law crisis transcended simple political replacement; it became a clarion call for systemic reform. The new administration places great emphasis on restoring democratic values and rebuilding public trust in government. By driving anti-corruption efforts through the Three Special Prosecutor Laws alongside broader institutional reforms, Korea is laying the foundation for a new political culture.

At this turning point, Korean society stands poised on a fresh starting line, leaving past turmoil behind. The critical question now is how this process will strengthen the nation’s democracy and rule of law going forward.