Former leader faces trial for insurrection as South Korea prepares for snap presidential election on June 3.
SEOUL — One week after his dramatic impeachment was upheld by the Constitutional Court, ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to vacate the official presidential residence on Friday, marking a symbolic end to one of the most turbulent chapters in the nation’s modern political history.
Supporters and protesters alike are expected to gather along the route of Yoon’s motorcade, which will escort him, his wife, and their many pets—reportedly over 10 cats and dogs—to his private residence in a 37-story apartment building in Seoul.
Yoon’s removal from office follows a historic decision by the Constitutional Court on April 4, which upheld a parliamentary impeachment motion over his controversial attempt to impose martial law last December. The court’s ruling ended four months of political paralysis and unrest in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Yoon, 64, now faces criminal charges of leading an insurrection—an offense that carries the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty under South Korean law.
Snap Election Scheduled for June 3
The vacuum left by Yoon’s ouster has triggered a snap presidential election, which is now scheduled for June 3. South Korea’s political landscape has been thrown into high gear, with both conservative and liberal factions scrambling to nominate candidates.
According to political analysts, nearly 20 hopefuls are expected to vie for the nomination of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), which is attempting to distance itself from the scandal-plagued former president while retaining control of the executive office.
On the other side, a charismatic populist liberal candidate, currently leading in national polls, is mounting a vigorous campaign that has galvanized younger and progressive voters disillusioned by the recent constitutional crisis.
Unprecedented Political Turmoil
Yoon’s downfall has shocked a nation that has seen its fair share of political upheaval. His short-lived declaration of martial law in December—reportedly aimed at quelling mass protests over corruption allegations—sparked condemnation both domestically and internationally.
His attempt to deploy military forces in major cities was thwarted by key officials and military leaders who refused to carry out the orders, triggering a swift parliamentary response that led to his impeachment vote in January.
“This was not just a political miscalculation—it was a full-blown constitutional emergency,” said Professor Lee Hyun-woo, a legal scholar at Korea University. “The impeachment ruling reaffirms the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions.”
The court’s unanimous decision last week made Yoon the second president in the country’s history to be removed from office through impeachment, following Park Geun-hye in 2017.
Private Return to Public Spotlight
Since his release from detention on March 8, when a court overturned his arrest warrant on procedural grounds, Yoon has remained largely out of the public eye. He did not attend the Constitutional Court’s impeachment ruling and has made no formal public statements since.
However, insiders within the People Power Party claim Yoon has held several meetings at the official residence with allies to discuss the upcoming election and the party’s future strategy. His continued involvement in political discussions—despite his legal troubles—has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers who accuse him of undermining the transition of power.
“An impeached president facing trial for insurrection has no place in shaping this country’s political future,” said Park Ji-won, a senior lawmaker with the opposition Democratic Party.
In keeping with tradition, most former South Korean presidents relocate to detached homes upon leaving office. Yoon’s move to a high-rise apartment signals a departure from that norm, raising questions about his long-term intentions and security arrangements.
Legal Cloud Still Looms
While Yoon’s impeachment formally stripped him of presidential powers, the legal battle ahead may prove even more consequential. Prosecutors are preparing to present evidence in a highly anticipated trial that could begin as early as May.
The charge of insurrection is one of the most serious under South Korean law. Legal experts say a conviction could result in a life sentence or the death penalty, although the latter is rarely applied in modern South Korea.
“The prosecution will likely focus on Yoon’s direct involvement in attempting to mobilize the military against civilians,” said Kim Soo-jin, a criminal law expert at Seoul National University. “This is not a case that will be resolved quickly or quietly.”
Yoon has denied any wrongdoing through his legal team, which claims the martial law discussions were purely hypothetical and based on national security concerns.
Public Sentiment and Global Reaction
The mood among South Koreans remains deeply divided. While critics view Yoon’s actions as authoritarian and anti-democratic, his core supporters continue to believe he was the victim of political persecution.
Public demonstrations have erupted in Seoul over the past week, with both pro-Yoon and anti-Yoon factions staging rallies outside government buildings and the Constitutional Court.
The international community has largely praised South Korea’s handling of the crisis, highlighting the rule of law and the peaceful enforcement of democratic norms.
“The peaceful removal of President Yoon through constitutional means reflects the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office of Human Rights. “We hope the coming election will be transparent, inclusive, and credible.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
As Yoon Suk Yeol prepares to exit the Blue House for the last time, South Korea stands at a critical juncture. The upcoming election will not only determine the country’s next leader but may also define its path forward after months of political upheaval and institutional strain.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring a peaceful transition of power—and on holding the former president accountable in accordance with the law.
