Impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol: implications for the U.S. and global security

On April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court of South Korea unanimously decided to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office for imposing 6-hour martial law in December 2024. As a result, it was announced that early presidential elections would be held on June 3, 2025.

Until then, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is considered a center-right technocrat, will remain acting head of state.

The president's closest security advisers involved in negotiations with the United States and in responding to the DPRK's involvement in the Russian war in Ukraine (particularly Shin Won-sik and Jang Ho-jin) will also retain their positions.

As for Yoon Suk Yeol, the Constitutional Court banned him from holding public office until April 2030. He also faces imprisonment in parallel proceedings.