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Korea Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Full text: Lee Jae-myung's inaugural address
The following is an unofficial translation of President Lee Jae-myung's inaugural address to the people, delivered Wednesday morning at the National Assembly. It was generated by AI and edited by The Korea Herald. — Ed. Dear respected and beloved people of Korea, I am Lee Jae-myung, the 21st President of the Republic of Korea, chosen by you. I stand here with a boundless sense of responsibility and deep gratitude. With the 52 million hopes and aspirations entrusted to me by our 52 million citizens, from today, I take the first step as the 21st President of the Republic of Korea toward building a true democratic republic. The future is calling us. It is time to revive people's livelihoods on the brink, restore growth, and create a tomorrow where everyone can be happy. It is time to rebuild national security and peace, which have become tools of political strife, people's livelihoods and the economy, which have collapsed due to indifference, incompetence and irresponsibility, and democracy, which was shattered by armored vehicles and automatic rifles. It is time to build bridges of coexistence, reconciliation, and solidarity over the hatred and confrontation that have divided us — and to open an era of national happiness filled with dreams and hope. As the writer Han Kang once said, the past supported the present, and the dead saved the living. Now, it is our turn to become the past of the future and save tomorrow's descendants. I make this promise before the people. I will respond to your solemn mandate to let hope blossom over deep and painful wounds, and to your earnest wish for a completely new country. Regardless of whom you supported in this election, I will become a 'president for all,' embracing and serving every citizen, in keeping with the meaning of the word 'daetongryeong' ('president' in Korean) that calls for broad national unity. The Republic of Korea continues to make new history. Among the nations freed from colonial rule, it is the only one to achieve both industrialization and democratization. It ranks 10th in global economic power, boasts the world's 5th strongest military, and leads global culture with K-culture. This proud country of the East has now opened a new chapter in the history of world democracy, overpowering a military coup with nothing more than light sticks in hand. The world watches in awe as we take this great journey and demonstrate the remarkable capabilities of the Korean people. A colorful light revolution, K-democracy, has become a clear model for people worldwide seeking new hope for democracy in crisis. Dear citizens, We now stand at a major turning point. Old orders are receding, and a new era — a civilizational transformation — is unfolding. We are entering a new scientific and technological era never before experienced, an age of limitless AI competition, where change happens in the blink of an eye. The climate crisis threatens humanity and presses for industrial transition. Rapid changes in the global order, including rising protectionism and supply chain realignments, threaten our survival. If we fall behind, we will be dragged by change. But if we lead it, the opportunities will be boundless. Regrettably, at this critical juncture, we face complex, intertwined crises in every area — people's livelihoods, the economy, diplomacy, security and democracy. The present and future of Korea are both at risk. To rescue the lives of weary citizens, to restore democracy and peace, to recover growth and our damaged national dignity, will require unimaginable sweat, tears and patience. But just like a rose blooming in June finds sunlight even in the shadow of a wall, our people, even amid chaos and despair, have found the way forward. I will take the people's will as my compass, and move forward — over high mountains and through thorny paths if needed. We will begin by restoring livelihoods and reviving the economy. With the resolve to battle a recession head-on, we will immediately activate an emergency economic response task force. We will use national finances as a priming pump to restart a virtuous economic cycle. This newly launched administration of the Democratic Party and President Lee Jae-myung will be a just and inclusive government, as well as a flexible and pragmatic one. Integration is a sign of competence; division is the result of incompetence. Only political forces lacking the will and ability to improve people's lives divide and sow hatred to maintain power. I will be a president who ends the politics of division. We will overcome this crisis through national unity. We will restore what was lost to the insurrection, including people's livelihoods, the economy, national security, peace, and democracy, and build a society of continuous growth and progress. An insurrection that uses the people's entrusted weapons to steal their sovereignty must never happen again. We will uncover the full truth, hold those responsible accountable, and establish firm measures to prevent recurrence. On the foundation of coexistence and integration, we will restore communication and dialogue, and revive politics based on compromise and mutual concession. Let us consign outdated ideologies to the museum of history. From now on, there is no issue of progressivism. From now on, there is no issue of conservatism. There are only the people's issues — only the problems of Korea. Whether from Park Chung-hee or Kim Dae-jung, if a policy is necessary and useful, we will use it without discrimination. The Lee Jae-myung government will be a pragmatic, market-oriented government. We will not control and manage, but support and encourage. We will shift to a 'negative list' regulatory system to ensure free and creative corporate activity. We will strongly support entrepreneurs so they can start businesses, grow and compete in the global market. But we will not tolerate gains made by breaking the rules, oppressing the weak, threatening lives, safety, or workers' rights, or manipulating markets through stock fraud. There must be no cases where those who follow the rules suffer losses. To drive innovation and future growth, we must build a nation where everyone's basic living conditions are guaranteed, and where thick social safety nets allow people to take bold risks. Both individuals and the country must grow in order to share. Through pragmatic, national-interest-centered diplomacy, we will turn the crisis of global economic and security shifts into opportunities to maximize national interests. We will strengthen the US-Korea alliance, bolster Korea-US-Japan cooperation based on it, and manage relations with neighboring countries from a practical, national-interest perspective. We will expand Korea's diplomatic reach and global stature to broaden our economic territory worldwide. Respected citizens, The great revolution of light does not conclude with ending the insurrection. It commands us to build a new, shining nation. I solemnly accept the people's mandate to build a hopeful new country. First, we will build a true nation where 'the people are sovereign.' The Republic of Korea is a democratic republic, and sovereignty rests with the people. We will communicate everywhere and always, and ensure the people's sovereign will is routinely reflected in governance. We will unwaveringly pursue the tasks of social reform raised in the plaza of light. Second, we will build a country of renewed growth and progress. As inequality deepens and the vicious circle of disparity blocks growth, low growth reduces opportunity, leaving only winner-takes-all competition. Young people are driven to the extremes — men vs. women. A society where falling behind means death meets divisive politics and gives rise to extremism that threatens social cohesion. We will usher in a better world through 'fair growth,' which creates new engines and shares the opportunities and outcomes of growth. Just as older generations sacrificed and sent their children to school despite poverty, we will prepare for the future through bold public investment and support. With large-scale investments in advanced industries like AI and semiconductors, we will leap forward as an industrial powerhouse. We will swiftly transition to a renewable energy society to respond to the global climate crisis, boost corporate competitiveness through energy independence and RE100 compliance, and revitalize declining regions by building an energy superhighway that enables renewable energy production anywhere in the country. Third, we will build a country where all live well together. Lacking in natural resources, the Republic of Korea achieved rapid growth to become the world's 10th-largest economy through an unbalanced development strategy that concentrated investment in specific regions, industries, and social groups. But today, unbalanced growth has reached its limit. Inequality and polarization now hinder further progress. Sustainable growth now requires a strategic shift. We must pursue balanced development, fair growth, and a just society. We will move beyond Seoul-centered development and foster an industrial ecosystem where large, medium, small, and startup firms cooperate. We will transition to a fair society without privileged status or special favors. Sharing the benefits and opportunities of growth is the path to sustainability. Growth and distribution are not contradictions — they complement each other. Corporate development and respect for labor can fully coexist. Fourth, we will build a country where culture flourishes. Baekbeom Kim Koo once said, 'the one thing I desire endlessly is the power of high culture.' That dream is now becoming reality. From K-pop and K-dramas to K-movies, K-beauty, and K-food — Korean culture is captivating the world. Culture is economy. Culture is global competitiveness. We will link this cultural wave to cultural industry growth and good jobs. We will expand Korea's cultural industries and invest boldly in arts and culture to become a cultural powerhouse that sets global standards — one of the world's top five soft power nations. Fifth, we will build a safe and peaceful country. Safety and peace are prerequisites for national happiness. Safety is livelihood, and peace is economy. We will uncover the full truth of tragedies like the Sewol Ferry, Itaewon and Osong Tunnel disasters, and build a safe society where citizens' lives and property are not threatened. We will heal the scars of war and division and chart a future of peace and prosperity. No matter how expensive, peace is better than war. It is better to win without fighting than to fight and win — and a peace that requires no fighting is the most secure form of security. With defense spending twice the size of North Korea's GDP, a military ranked among the world's top five, and the US-ROK alliance, we will maintain strong deterrence against nuclear threats and provocations. At the same time, we will reopen communication with North Korea and build peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation. We will restore the military's honor and public trust, damaged by the illegal martial law attempt, and ensure that the military is never again used in politics. Beloved and respected people of Korea, Through countless life-or-death crises, I held onto our faith in the people and followed the path led by the people. Now, I will follow the mission entrusted by the people to find hope. Our people have always been strong when united, and they have overcome every adversity through unity. We resisted Japan's tyranny with the March 1 Movement and established the Provisional Government of Korea. We achieved stunning industrial growth from the ruins of war and division. We won democracy through resistance to dictatorship, and reclaimed popular sovereignty through two peaceful revolutions unmatched in global history. With such great strength, there is no crisis our people cannot overcome. Let us build a nation that leads the world with cultural excellence, leads change with advanced technology, and inspires others with exemplary democracy. When Korea acts, it sets the global standard. Respected citizens, Recovery and growth, ultimately, are for the happiness of our people, the true owners of this land. Let us build a genuine democratic republic where all national power is used solely for the people. Let us overcome small differences, acknowledge and respect one another, and move forward together toward a Korea where the people are the true owners, and the people are truly happy. You, the citizens who resisted a coup d'etat carried out with national power, and opened a hopeful world with the light of democracy — you are the true protagonists of this historic journey. As a faithful servant of the sovereign people of Korea, as the entrusted agent of 52 million lives and our nation's future, I will fulfill the responsibilities given to the 21st President of the Republic of Korea.
LeMonde
7 days ago
- Business
- LeMonde
Democrat Lee Jae-myung wins a sweeping victory in South Korea's presidential election
As expected, Lee Jae-myung won a decisive victory in South Korea's presidential election on Tuesday, June 3. With 48.84% of the vote as of midnight local time, the candidate of the progressive Democratic Party (PD), who comes from a modest background and is known for his tenacity, defeated his rival from the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Kim Moon-soo, who did not surpass 42.74%. Lee has been elected to a single five-year term, promising to "build the real Korea, starting now." "I salute the decision of the people. We will fulfill our responsibilities and our mission without betraying their expectations," declared the winner around midnight local time, after a whirlwind campaign that began with the impeachment on April 4 of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol (2022-2025), following his aborted declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. "The people have delivered a clear verdict against the insurrectionist regime," said Park Chan-dae, head of the PD's parliamentary group. As soon as the victory was announced, Lee's supporters – dressed in blue, the color of his camp – gathered with music outside the National Assembly. "This is a victory for 'K-democracy,'" said a man in his 60s who had already been celebrating his champion's win.
Korea Herald
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
What S. Korea's political leaders have to say about Yoon Suk Yeol's ouster
South Korea's Constitutional Court on Friday confirmed President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office. This marks the second time in the nation's history that a sitting president has been removed in the middle of his term by impeachment. Below are reactions from prominent political leaders and other notable individuals to the historic moment. Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader, liberal Democratic Party of Korea Lee, the runner-up to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, is now the leading contender for the next presidency. "South Korea is the only country in the world where unarmed citizens have peacefully brought down a lawless regime. The world will take a fresh look at Korea and come to admire the strength of K-democracy. (Yoon's removal) marks the true beginning of a new Republic of Korea." Rep. Kweon doubles as the conservative party's caretaker leader, since its chair, Han Dong-hoon, resigned in December amidst internal turmoil over whether or not to support Yoon's impeachment. 'The presidential election is just two months away. Though time is limited, we cannot retreat. We must not hand over South Korea, built and safeguarded through our blood, sweat and tears, to the dangerous forces aligned with Lee Jae-myung." Lee, who in the past headed People Power Party, has already thrown his hat into the presidential race, announcing his run for the early presidential election. 'Today's ruling was a judgment on the outrageous attempt to resort to military force when politics failed. The people will deliver the same judgment to the main opposition party, which used its overwhelming majority in the National Assembly as a weapon, repeatedly pushing for impeachment to prevent a single person from being arrested. The people will not overlook that abuse of power.' A veteran politician and former head of the country's intelligence agency, Park, 82, is one of the most influential figures in the liberal bloc. 'I welcome the Constitutional Court's flawless decision, which will serve as a compass for the investigations and criminal trial of former President Yoon." 'The Constitutional Court's decision will serve as a compass for future investigations and criminal trials. Now, we must reform the country and move toward the future. We must remove all the sprouts of internal strife that deny the very existence of the people, the media and the opposition party, in order to move toward the future." Yoo Seong-min, former four-term lawmaker, member of People Power Party Yoo, regarded as a reformist dissenter within the conservative People Power Party, competed against Yoon in the 2022 presidential primary. 'If the conservative bloc fails to reinvent itself, it will not regain the public's trust. We must start again, with a mindset to break down the old and build something new.' Kim Dong-yeon, governor of Gyeonggi Province, member of Democratic Party A member of the liberal Democratic Party, Kim is considered a potential presidential candidate. 'The ringleader of the insurrection has been ousted, but much work remains. We must rebuild systems to ensure that such reckless acts, which threaten our democratic republic, never happen again. Those who supported the insurrection and fueled violence must also face consequences." Hong Joon-pyo, mayor of Daegu, member of People Power Party Hong was defeated by Yoon in the conservative party's primary for the 2022 presidential election. 'Whether right or wrong, the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol is now in the past. What matters now is uniting the nation and moving beyond conflict and division. I have been thoroughly preparing for this election, considering it the final mission of my 30-year political career.' Han Dong-hoon, former leader, People Power Party Once a staunch ally of Yoon, prosecutor-turned-politician Han headed the People Power Party as chair until he resigned on Dec. 14 amid an internal feud over Yoon's martial law. 'I feel your pain, your disappointment, and your unease. Even in hardship, we must hold fast to the principles of liberal democracy and our duty to the community. Let's unite to safeguard Korea and work toward a brighter future.'
Korea Herald
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Yoon Suk Yeol impeachment ruling as it happened
South Korea's Constitutional Court on Friday removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office in a historic ruling. 5:00 p.m. The ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol met with People Power Party leaders Friday and told them he hopes the party wins the presidential election to choose his successor. People Power Party leaders Reps. Kwon Young-se and Kweon Seong-dong met with Yoon at his residence in Yongsan, central Seoul, late Friday, hours after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's impeachment, thereby removing him from office. Yoon tells ruling party leaders: 'Win the next election' 16:46 p.m In an 8-0 ruling, the Constitutional Court on Friday found that impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol had committed "grave violations" by imposing martial law on Dec. 3, a standard that had determined former presidents' fate in previous impeachment cases. The ruling stated that Yoon's abuse of power in declaring martial law and other actions 'constitute serious violations of the principles of democratic governance and the rule of law.' The 114-page verdict showed that Yoon's decision to ignore the national governance structure as enshrined in the Constitution -- by deploying armed forces to the National Assembly and the election commission by imposing martial law -- threatened the stability of the democratic republic. 16:42 p.m South Korea's Constitutional Court on Friday confirmed President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office. This marks the second time in the nation's history that a sitting president has been removed in the middle of his term by impeachment. Below are reactions from prominent political leaders and other notable individuals to the historic moment. Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader, main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Lee, the runner-up to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, is now the leading contender for the next presidency. "South Korea is the only country in the world where unarmed citizens have peacefully brought down a lawless regime. The world will take a fresh look at Korea and come to admire the strength of K-democracy. (Yoon's removal) marks the true beginning of a new Republic of Korea." 16:41 p.m Below is an unofficial translation of the summary released by the Constitutional Court of Korea detailing its ruling Friday that upheld Yoon Suk Yeol's parliamentary impeachment, confirming his immediate removal as president. -- Ed. (Verdict read out by acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae) I will begin announcing the verdict on the 2024 impeachment case of President Yoon Suk Yeol. First, we will examine the conditions for legal validity. 1. We will look at whether the declaration of martial law in this case is subject to judicial review. Considering the purpose of an impeachment trial, which is to uphold the constitutional order against violations by high-ranking officials, the declaration of martial law, in this case, can be reviewed for its constitutionality and legality, even if it involves a highly political decision. Nation gains closure with Constitutional Court ruling to remove Yoon 16:15 p.m The Constitutional Court of Korea voted unanimously to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, delivering a definitive verdict on Friday that punctuated months of political turmoil triggered by his short-lived martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024. As interim Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae began reading out the 8-0 decision at 11 a.m., tens of thousands of South Koreans fell silent across Seoul's divided protest sites. Smartphones shot upward to capture the moment as loudspeakers broadcast the verdict through streets where police buses formed barricades between opposing crowds. "President Yoon Suk Yeol violated his duty as the nation's commander-in-chief when he sent troops to the National Assembly in December," Justice Moon said, his voice echoing across the capital. The martial law declaration had "broadly violated the citizens' rights and damaged the republic's order," he clarified. Then came the pronouncement that sealed the president's fate: "In a unanimous vote, the court upholds the National Assembly's motion to impeach the president." 16:15 p.m South Korea's historic decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office has sparked an outpouring of reactions from foreign residents and international observers, many of whom praised the Constitutional Court's unanimous 8–0 ruling as a powerful demonstration of democratic accountability. 'I'm happy about the verdict,' said Svenja, a German national who has lived in Seoul for six months. Speaking to The Korea Herald outside the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, where hundreds watched the decision live on a large screen, she added, 'It feels like democracy really works here.' Foreign residents, global watchers hail S. Korea's 'democracy in action' 16:14 p.m Leaders representing major religions in South Korea called for unity behind a court ruling that removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office for his ill-fated martial law declaration on Dec. 3. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea said politicians should work together to restore people's trust, respecting the Constitutional Court of Korea's decision Friday. 'Politicians should remember serving their people and listen to each other to cultivate better politics,' the CBCK said in a statement. Some law experts praise Yoon Suk Yeol impeachment ruling 16:03 p.m In the wake of the Constitutional Court's decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, some legal scholars and practitioners on social media have lauded the verdict read by Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae. Professor Han In-sup of Seoul National University's School of Law said on Facebook, 'Every detail was addressed with precision.' Han added that he respects the justices for their dedication. Attorney Lim Jae-sung, a member of Lawyers for a Democratic Society, echoed that sentiment, calling the decision 'well-reasoned.' Police to continue protecting judges after impeachment ruling 15:53 p.m Until they ultimately upheld former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment Friday, South Korea's Constitutional Court justices faced speculation that they might vote it down. As the Constitutional Court justices are appointed equally by the president, the National Assembly and the chief justice of the Supreme Court, they are often seen as reflecting their appointing authority's political leanings. However, on Friday, the court reached a unanimous decision to remove Yoon from office, citing the need to "uphold the Constitution." 15:53 p.m All senior officials at the presidential office tendered their resignations on Friday to acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. According to the presidential office, a total of 15 individuals — including chiefs of staff, special advisers, senior secretaries and the deputy director of the National Security Office who served under former President Yoon Suk Yeol — collectively submitted their resignations to acting President Han in the afternoon. 'Finally, relief': Koreans embrace Yoon impeachment ruling 14:48 p.m South Koreans rejoiced as the Constitutional Court upheld the National Assembly's impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday — a ruling delivered 122 days after his botched declaration of martial law. Many expressed relief at the end of political uncertainty and voiced hopes for a recovery in the sluggish domestic economy. However, some offered a grim outlook of a prolonged recession exacerbated by US President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on all imports from Korea. Kim Yi-kang, a 40-something tech worker in the city of Sejong, said he felt a great sense of relief after watching the ruling via a YouTube link earlier in the day. 'With political uncertainty finally behind us, I believe it's vital to focus our national efforts on addressing major challenges such as US trade policies and the economic downturn,' he said. 14:43 p.m The presidential office fell into stunned silence on Friday as the Constitutional Court ruled unanimously to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, marking the second such decision in South Korean history. The ruling, delivered at 11:22 a.m. by acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae, triggered visible shock and audible sighs throughout the presidential compound, according to local news outlets. By 11:43 a.m., just 21 minutes after the ruling, the office had quietly lowered the presidential emblem — a dark blue presidential flag embroidered with two phoenixes and Korea's national flower — that had flown over the Yongsan compound since Yoon's inauguration on May 10, 2022. The flag's removal symbolized the formal end of Yoon's presidency after 1,061 days in office. 14:43 p.m Former President Yoon Suk Yeol issued his first official message shortly after the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled to remove him from office Friday, bringing an end to his controversial presidency and the monthslong political crisis sparked by his declaration of martial law last December. In a brief and solemn statement addressed to the public, Yoon expressed both gratitude and regret. "It was a great honor to serve the Republic of Korea," Yoon said. "I am deeply thankful to those who supported and believed in me, despite my shortcomings. I sincerely apologize for failing to meet your expectations. I will always pray for the Republic of Korea, which I love, and for its people." 14:12 p.m A far-right activist and pastor, the Rev. Jeon Kwang-hoon on Friday voiced his rejection of the Constitutional Court's decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, urging sympathizers to "gather 30 million at Gwanghwamun Square" on Saturday. The controversial pastor made the comments at a demonstration in front of the official presidential office and residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Jeon claimed that the people's right to resist supersedes the court's verdict, accusing the justices of "committing a crime" against Yoon, who he says has over 50 percent approval from the public. 13:47 p.m Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol has been removed from power and lost the rights and privileges previously bestowed upon him as South Korea's president, but he will still be subject to protection provided by the Presidential Security Service as a former leader. The Presidential Security Act states in the Article 4-3 that a president and his or her spouse shall be protected by the presidential bodyguards for 10 years after their term is concluded. If the president steps down from office before the end of their term -- such as via death or removal as in Yoon's case -- the protection period is shortened to five years. S. Korea turns page on 3rd presidential impeachment, but deep division remains 13:27 p.m. In a dramatic and polarizing moment in Korea's democracy, President Yoon Suk-yeol was officially dismissed from office Friday, just eight years after former President Park Geun-hye was ousted in 2017. Political observers expect the most immediate street-level clashes between impeachment supporters and opponents to ease with an early presidential election now just two months away at the latest, but warn that the country's deep political and social divisions are far from resolved — and could worsen. 12:50 p.m. The People Power Party on Friday said it would accept President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office after the Constitutional Court ruled to uphold the his impeachment. Rep. Kwon Young-se, the People Power Party leader, said the party "humbly accepts" the Constitutional Court's decision, adding, "We sincerely apologize to the people." PPP accepts, DP hails Yoon Suk Yeol's removal 12:38 p.m. Acting President Han Duck-soo said the government would respect the Constitutional Court's ruling to uphold former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, stressing the need to overcome political division. Shortly after the ruling was delivered, Han said in a televised address that he would work to manage the presidential election to establish a new administration. By law, South Korea must hold a presidential election within 60 days if a president is removed by the Constitutional Court or in the event of death. "Today, the Constitutional Court confirmed its verdict over the president's impeachment case," Han said. "I feel deeply sorry for an unfortunate situation in which a sitting head of state has been impeached for the second time in constitutional history." Yoon Suk Yeol's lawyer condemns impeachment ruling as 'politically motivated' 12:21 p.m. Yoon Kab-keun, the legal representative of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, denounced the Constitutional Court's unanimous decision to uphold Yoon's impeachment as 'unacceptable' and 'deeply political,' voicing strong discontent with both the legal reasoning and the process leading up to the historic ruling. 12:17 p.m. Acting President Han Duck-soo vowed Friday to ensure stability in national security and diplomacy following the Constitutional Court's decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol. Constitutional Court upholds impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol 11:22 a.m. Constitutional Court on Friday reached 8-0 unanimous decision to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol at 11:22 a.m. Acting court chief Moon Hyung-bae said that Yoon's Dec. 3 declaration of martial law did not meet the legal requirements for a national crisis, nor did it correspond with the purpose of martial law stipulated in the Constitution. The verdict took effect immediately, meaning an early election for the next leader of South Korea must take place within the next 60 days, June 3 at the latest. Yoon became the second president in the country's history to be ousted from the presidency, after Park Geun-hye in 2017. He is accused of insurrection and power abuse, regarding his orders during the six-hour martial law on Dec. 3-4. His impeachment motion was passed by the opposition-controlled National Assembly in December. Court says Yoon's declaration of martial law did not meet legal requirement of national crisis 11:10 a.m. The Constitutional Court said Friday that President Yoon Suk Yeol's Dec. 3 martial law decarlation cannot be justified by the political situation at the time. It added that using "martial law as warning,' which Yoon claimed as the reason for his declaration, does not correspond to the purpose of martial law. Legal representatives of Yoon, parliament arrive at Constitutional Court 10:30 a.m. Legal representatives of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol and the National Assembly, the opposing sides in Yoon's impeachment trial, arrived at the Constitutional Court in central Seoul on Friday morning. Yoon was to watch the ruling from the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, as he said on Thursday. The eight justices currently on the court's bench arrived between 6:50 a.m. and 8:20 a.m., and held a final review of the case from 9:30 a.m. Morning scene as South Korea awaits Yoon verdict 10 a.m. Protestors across Seoul as well as authorities dispatched to prevent any potential violence were awaiting the impeachment verdict on suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday morning, with the Constitutional Court slated to deliver its verdict at 11 a.m. Impeachment ruling day finally arrives 6 a.m. Exactly 122 days after the surreal night of martial law on Dec. 3, South Koreans will finally learn today whether Yoon Suk Yeol will be removed or continue to serve as the country's president. At 11 a.m. in a ruling to be broadcast live on TV, the Constitutional Court will deliver its decision on whether it will uphold Yoon's impeachment. Yoon's legal team confirmed Thursday that he will not attend the ruling. Yoon has been suspended from duty since Dec. 14, when the National Assembly voted to impeach him over his abrupt declaration of martial law the night of Dec. 3. If at least six out of the court's current eight justices vote to uphold the impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office. In any other case, he will be reinstated as president immediately.
Korea Herald
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
What South Korea's political leaders have to say about Yoon Suk Yeol's ouster
South Korea's Constitutional Court on Friday confirmed President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office. This marks the second time in the nation's history that a sitting president has been removed in the middle of his term by impeachment. Below are reactions from prominent political leaders and other notable individuals to the historic moment. Lee, the runner-up to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, is now the leading contender for the next presidency. "South Korea is the only country in the world where unarmed citizens have peacefully brought down a lawless regime. The world will take a fresh look at Korea and come to admire the strength of K-democracy. (Yoon's removal) marks the true beginning of a new Republic of Korea." Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader, conservative People Power Party Rep. Kweon doubles as the conservative party's caretaker leader, since its chair, Han Dong-hoon, resigned in December amidst internal turmoil over whether or not to support Yoon's impeachment. 'The presidential election is just two months away. Though time is limited, we cannot retreat. We must not hand over South Korea, built and safeguarded through our blood, sweat and tears, to the dangerous forces aligned with Lee Jae-myung." Lee, who in the past headed People Power Party, has already thrown his hat into the presidential race, announcing his run for the early presidential election. Rep. Park Jie-won, five-time lawmaker, Democratic Party A veteran politician and former head of the country's intelligence agency, Park, 82, is one of the most influential figures in the liberal bloc. 'I welcome the Constitutional Court's flawless decision, which will serve as a compass for the investigations and criminal trial of former President Yoon." 'The Constitutional Court's decision will serve as a compass for future investigations and criminal trials. Now, we must reform the country and move toward the future. We must remove all the sprouts of internal strife that deny the very existence of the people, the media and the opposition party, in order to move toward the future." Yoo Seong-min, former four-term lawmaker, member of People Power Party Yoo, regarded as a reformist dissenter within the conservative People Power Party, competed against Yoon in the 2022 presidential primary. 'If the conservative bloc fails to reinvent itself, it will not regain the public's trust. We must start again, with a mindset to break down the old and build something new.' Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, member of Democratic Party A member of the liberal Democratic Party, Kim is considered a potential presidential candidate. 'The ringleader of the insurrection has been ousted, but much work remains. We must rebuild systems to ensure that such reckless acts, which threaten our democratic republic, never happen again. Those who supported the insurrection and fueled violence must also face consequences."
