South Korea’s opposition party has called on the Constitutional Court to issue a swift verdict on the impeachment of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, arguing that delays are causing social unrest and instability. Yoon was impeached by lawmakers following his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, a move that sparked nationwide protests and political turmoil.
The Constitutional Court has been deliberating on the matter for weeks, making Yoon’s case the longest impeachment deliberation in South Korean history. Legal experts had anticipated a verdict by mid-March, but the court has yet to reach a decision. The delay has heightened tensions across the country, with both Yoon’s supporters and critics taking to the streets in massive demonstrations. Over the weekend, police reported that approximately 100,000 people participated in protests in Seoul, with demands ranging from Yoon’s immediate removal to support for his reinstatement.
Opposition MP Kim Min-seok, addressing a party meeting on Monday, criticized the prolonged deliberations. “The nation and its people have reached their limits. Tension and patience have already been pushed beyond their bounds,” Kim said. “We await a responsible decision from the Constitutional Court. Any further delay would be abnormal and irresponsible.”
Authorities are bracing for potential unrest when the impeachment verdict is announced. The police have indicated their readiness to mobilize “all available equipment” to maintain order. Security concerns were heightened after Yoon’s supporters stormed a district court in Seoul earlier this year, smashing doors and windows following a judge’s decision to extend Yoon’s detention.
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency acting chief Park Hyun-soo stated that officials were considering designating a 100-meter radius around the Constitutional Court as a protest-free zone to prevent clashes. Additional security measures include specialized police training on crowd control and the potential deployment of police special forces to respond to threats.
Beyond impeachment, Yoon faces a criminal trial on charges of insurrection related to his martial law declaration, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced such charges. His legal battle continues as the nation awaits a pivotal court ruling that could shape South Korea’s political future.
