Pressure mounts on Constitutional Court to rule on Yoon's impeachment

Police buses block the entrance to the Constitutional Court of Korea in Seoul on March 28 2025 Yonhap — Police buses block the entrance to the Constitutional Court of Korea in Seoul on March 28, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - With the Constitutional Court still wrestling over President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial for more than a month, it remains uncertain when the court will deliver its verdict, as public division and conflict continue to escalate amid the country's prolonged leadership vacuum.

Given that at least two days are required for security arrangements and other preparations, the verdict is now expected sometime in April, as the court has yet to set a final ruling date on Yoon's Dec. 3 declaration of martial law.

Some expect the ruling could come as early as next week, but with by-elections scheduled for Wednesday to fill vacant posts in several cities and provinces, it seems unlikely that the court will make its decision early in the week, as it may want to avoid any political fallout.

However, many believe the verdict should be delivered before the retirement of two justices from the court's current eight-seat bench, which is just three weeks away.

Once justices Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-sun step down after completing their six-year terms on April 18, the court will be left with just six justices. While a ruling would still be legally possible, concerns over the legitimacy of the decision may arise, making it likely that the court will seek to reach a conclusion before their departure.

Given these circumstances, legal experts anticipate that Yoon's ruling could be delivered by late next week or within the next two to three weeks.

As the court also handles general cases including constitutional petitions and other reviews, typically on Thursdays, with upcoming sessions possibly scheduled for April 10 or 17, Yoon's ruling is unlikely to be made on those dates.

A decision to uphold Yoon's impeachment would require at least six votes in favor, resulting in his immediate ouster from office and a snap presidential election within 60 days, which could take place in early or mid-June.

This combined photo shows both supporters and opponents of President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment during large-scale rallies in central Seoul on March 29 2025 Yonhap — This combined photo shows both supporters and opponents of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment during large-scale rallies in central Seoul on March 29, 2025. Yonhap

Meanwhile, mass rallies from both supporters and opponents of Yoon's impeachment have routinely gathered every weekend in central Seoul, causing severe traffic disruptions and heightening tensions amid intense political polarization.

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) called for the court to deliver Yoon's verdict swiftly, while also threatening to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo once again, who was reinstated last Monday after being suspended about three months, unless he proceeds with appointing Ma Eun-hyuk, a nominee recommended by the party, to fill the vacancy on the highest court's bench, which currently has eight of the nine justices seated.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) accused the Democratic Party (DP) of repeatedly abusing its parliamentary majority in a spree of moves to impeach key officials including Han who disagree with the party.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com

Pressure mounts on Constitutional Court to rule on Yoon's impeachment

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