South Korea’s President Yoon ousted: 4 months of political chaos
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Moon Hyung-bae, acting Chief Justice of South Korea's Constitutional Court, speaks during the final ruling of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on April 4.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SEOUL - South Korea has endured months of political turmoil since President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in December, sending soldiers into parliament in his attempt to subvert civilian rule.
The Constitutional Court delivered a long-awaited ruling on the suspended president’s impeachment on April 4, ousting him from his role
Here is a recap of events:
Dec 3: Martial law
On Dec 3, after a budget tussle with the opposition, Mr Yoon takes to television to declare martial law
He says he wants to protect the country against “threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness”.
Armed troops head to parliament, scaling fences, smashing windows and landing by helicopter in an apparent bid to stop lawmakers from overturning the decree.
As thousands of protesters gather outside, lawmakers vote 190-0 to nullify Mr Yoon’s declaration in the early hours of Dec 4.
Soldiers begin withdrawing and Mr Yoon reappears on television and lifts martial law. Protesters celebrate. Mr Yoon goes to ground.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering a speech to declare martial law in Seoul, on Dec 3, 2024.
PHOTO: AFP
Dec 4: Impeachment plan
The opposition immediately vows on Dec 4 to pus h for impeachment and file an official motion.
They file separate complaints of “insurrection” against Mr Yoon, his defence and interior ministers, and “key military and police figures involved, such as the martial law commander and the police chief”.
Police announce they are investigating Mr Yoon and others for “insurrection”.
Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul on Dec 4, 2024, after South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.
PHOTO: AFP
Dec 14: Mr Yoon impeached
Out of 300 lawmakers, 204 vote to impeach Mr Yoon and 85 vote against the motion – their second attempt after a failed vote a week earlier.
Mr Yoon is suspended from office while South Korea’s Constitutional Court has six months to deliberate on the vote.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
Acting South Korean President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivers an address to the nation at the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec 14, 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The vote is followed by scenes of jubilation among tens of thousands of demonstrators in front of the parliament building.
Dec 27: Second impeachment
On Dec 27, lawmakers impeach acting president Han over what the opposition calls his refusal to sign into law special bills to investigate Mr Yoon.
Finance minister Choi Sang-mok takes over.
Meanwhile, the Corruption Investigation Office sends a third summons to Mr Yoon on Dec 26, after he defied investigators’ demands twice in a week.
Mr Yoon faces impeachment and criminal charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Dec 30: Arrest warrant
Investigators apply for an arrest warrant for Mr Yoon
It is the first attempt in the country’s history to forcibly detain a president before an impeachment procedure is complete.
Hundreds of Mr Yoon’s supporters rally outside his compound to protest his impeachment, as Mr Yoon vows in a statement to fight alongside them “until the very end to protect this nation”.
Jan 3: First arrest attempt
Investigators make their move to arrest Mr Yoon but are blocked by his guards in a tense six-hour standoff.
They are forced to stand down, citing security concerns.
Jan 14: Impeachment trial
The Constitutional Court opens Mr Yoon’s impeachment trial.
A total of 11 hearings are held till Feb 25, some with Mr Yoon himself attending and defending his decision.
January 15: Mr Yoon detained
A vehicle carrying impeached South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol leaves the complex building housing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon, on Jan 15.
PHOTO: AFP
Investigators attempt to enter Mr Yoon’s residence as his presidential guards, lawyers and supporters try to block the execution of an arrest warrant.
Officers use ladders to breach the compound and approach the residence.
After negotiations, investigators announce the warrant has been served, and Mr Yoon later appears at their offices. Mr Yoon says he complied to “prevent bloodshed”.
Mr Yoon has his mug shot taken and undergoes a physical check as he spends his first night in jail as a criminal suspect.
Police officers and investigators of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials use a ladder to climb up a bus parked at the entrance to the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Jan 15.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Jan 18: Mr Yoon’s warrant extended
The Seoul Western District Court issues a formal arrest warrant extending Mr Yoon’s detention, citing concerns he may destroy evidence.
The decision enrages Mr Yoon’s supporters, some of whom attack the court building, smashing windows and throwing glass bottles onto the grounds.
March 8: Mr Yoon released
South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol waves to supporters as he arrives in front of his residence after being released from detention, in Seoul, on March 8.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
The suspended president is released from detention
Outside the detention centre, Mr Yoon steps out of the car and waves at his weeping, cheering supporters.
The decision further fuels tensions, with hundreds of thousands rallying for and against Mr Yoon each weekend, some camping out and staging all-night protests.
April 4: Verdict
The Constitutional Court rules to uphold the President’s impeachment, stripping the 65-year-old of his presidential powers with immediate effect. AFP
