18 hours Ago By Korea Bizwire
On the morning of April 4, students at Seongdeok High School in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, cheered as they watched the Constitutional Court’s ruling in favor of impeaching former President Yoon Suk Yeol broadcast live. (Yonhap) SEOUL, April 4 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled Friday to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, triggering jubilant scenes among demonstrators who had long demanded his ouster. The court’s decision, delivered in a unanimous ruling, marked a dramatic conclusion to a turbulent chapter in the nation’s political history.
Protesters who had gathered near the court erupted into cheers and tears as Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae read the ruling: “The respondent, President Yoon, is hereby dismissed.” Supporters raised a giant Taegeukgi—the South Korean national flag—and waved placards bearing the phrase “Remove Yoon Suk Yeol.” On April 4, in the Anguk-dong area of Jongno-gu, Seoul, bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster expressed joy as the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of impeaching former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
(Yonhap) The ruling followed months of escalating political unrest since the declaration of emergency martial law on December 3, 2024. The protest coalition known as the Emergency Action for Yoon’s Immediate Resignation and Social Overhaul, or “Emergency Action,” had been staging regular rallies across the country. As news of the ruling spread, celebratory songs played from speakers at the protest sites—including DAY6’s “Time of Our Life” and Girls’ Generation’s “Into the New World.
” Some participants danced with joy, others wept openly. “The people have won,” chanted the crowd. On April 4, in the Anguk-dong area of Jongno-gu, Seoul, citizens who supported the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol cheered as the Constitutional Court delivered its ruling in favor of his removal from office.
Emergency Action organizers led chants calling for further reforms: “The people have defeated the ringleader of insurrection,” “Punish the coup forces and end the threat to democracy,” and “Let us complete social reform through citizens’ power.” Nearby, another activist group, Candlelight Action, had gathered near the presidential residence in Yongsan since early morning. When the verdict was announced, participants shouted “Manse!”—a Korean exclamation of triumph—and many were seen crying.
On April 4, near the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, supporters of former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared dejected after hearing the Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold his impeachment. (Yonhap) “I took the first train from Pyeongtaek,” said a 25-year-old attendee who gave only his surname, Kim. “When I heard the unanimous decision, I cried for three straight minutes.
Now, I’m heading home to celebrate with my family over grilled beef.” Many Emergency Action participants had kept vigil near Anguk Station since the previous day, watching the live broadcast of the court proceedings. Faces were tense with anticipation during the ruling, breaking into cheers, applause, prayers, and sighs of relief at key moments.
On April 4, the day of the impeachment verdict for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, citizens who supported the impeachment cheered near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. (Yonhap) In a statement following the decision, Emergency Action called the ruling “a reaffirmation of constitutional democracy forged through the sacrifices of countless citizens.” The group emphasized the importance of strengthening the democratic order to prevent future insurrections.
Later in the day, Emergency Action planned a march toward the Seosipjagak Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Meanwhile, Candlelight Action scheduled a “Candlelight Concert for Democratic Government and Justice” near City Hall at 7 p.m.
The Constitutional Court’s decision sends shockwaves through South Korea’s political landscape, setting the stage for new elections and a national reckoning with the democratic values tested over the past year. As the country looks toward 2026, many see the ruling as not only an end—but a beginning. M.
H. Lee ([email protected]).
