'I am truly sorry': South Korea's Yoon after being removed from office

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol , officially removing him from office and bringing his controversial tenure to an abrupt end.

The ruling on Friday came after months of political turmoil following Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which triggered nationwide protests and a fierce political crisis.

In a short statement after the verdict, Yoon said, “I am truly sorry and heartbroken that I was unable to meet your expectations.”

Court rules Yoon’s actions ‘seriously violated’ the constitution

The eight-member bench of the Constitutional Court ruled unanimously to uphold the impeachment, stating that Yoon’s martial law decree had “seriously violated the constitution and other laws.” The court found that Yoon mobilised military and police forces in an attempt to suppress legislative authority, an act it deemed unconstitutional.

Acting chief justice Moon Hyung-bae said, “Ultimately, the declaration of martial law in this case violated the substantive requirements for emergency martial law.” He added that removing Yoon from office was necessary to uphold the country’s constitutional order, despite the disruptions caused by a presidential transition.

South Koreans react

The ruling sparked emotional reactions across the country. In Seoul, anti-Yoon demonstrators erupted into cheers, with some weeping and dancing in the streets. Protesters dressed as blue bears—an opposition mascot—marched through the city celebrating his removal.

Meanwhile, thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside his official residence, waving South Korean and US flags in defiance of the verdict. Many wept as they watched the decision announced on giant screens. “We will absolutely not be shaken!” a protest leader said, urging supporters to reject the ruling.

Despite the deep divide, no major violence was immediately reported.

South Korea faces fresh elections

Yoon’s removal sets the stage for a new presidential election within two months. However, political tensions remain high, with analysts warning that divisions over the impeachment could complicate South Korea’s approach to international challenges, including relations with the US and North Korea.

Lee Jae-myung , leader of the opposition Democratic Party and a frontrunner in the upcoming election, welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a victory for democracy. “The courage of the people who stood in the face of guns, swords, and tanks, along with the bravery of troops who refused to obey unjust orders, has led to this great revolution of light,” he said.

Yoon faces criminal charges

Yoon’s impeachment is not the end of his legal troubles. Having lost presidential immunity, he now faces multiple criminal investigations, including potential charges of abuse of power and rebellion. In January, he was arrested and indicted for his martial law decree, which could carry a life sentence or even the death penalty if he is convicted.

Some critics suggest that Yoon’s military intervention was an attempt to block an independent investigation into scandals involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.