TEMPO.CO, Jakarta- Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued an apology to the public on Friday, April 4, 2025, for not living up to their expectations.
"I deeply regret not being able to live up to your hopes and expectations. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve our nation. I am sincerely grateful for your unwavering support and encouragement, even when I fell short." Yoon said in a statement quoted by the Yonhap news agency as reported by Antara.
The former president thanked the people for giving him the opportunity to work for the good of the country.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) also apologized to the people after Yoon's impeachment and called for unity and non-violence.
"Though it is regrettable, the PPP solemnly accepts and humbly respects the Constitutional Court's decision," interim PPP leader Kwon Young-se said.
Earlier that day, South Korea's Constitutional Court voted unanimously to impeach Yoon.
It comes four months after Yoon threw South Korean politics into turmoil with a controversial declaration of martial law.
The unanimous decision brought a dramatic downfall for Yoon, a former star prosecutor who turned from a political novice to president in 2022, just a year after entering politics.
In a televised judgment, acting chief justice Moon Hyung-bae said the eight justices reinforced Yoon's impeachment because his military emergency decree violated the constitution and other laws.
“The defendant not only declared martial law, but also violated the constitution and laws by mobilizing military and police forces to obstruct the exercise of legislative authority,” Moon said.
"Ultimately, the declaration of martial law in this case violated the substantive requirements for emergency martial law.”
“Given the grave negative impact on constitutional order and the significant ripple effects of the defendant’s violations, we find that the benefits of upholding the constitution by removing the defendant from office far outweigh the national losses from the removal of a president,” the justice concluded.
South Korea now faces an early general election, with a new president to be elected within 60 days, or no later than June 3. Until then, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will continue to perform the duties of the head of state.
In a televised speech, Han Duck-soo pledged to ensure "no gap in national security and diplomacy" and to maintain public safety and order.
“Respecting the will of our sovereign people, I will do my utmost to manage the next presidential election in accordance with the constitution and the law, ensuring a smooth transition to the next administration,” Han said.
On December 3, 2024, Yoon declared a military emergency, accusing the opposition of sympathizing with North Korea and plotting a “rebellion.”
However, just hours later, Parliament overturned the declaration. Yoon complied and subsequently issued a public apology. On December 14, lawmakers voted to impeach him over the incident.
Now stripped of presidential immunity, Yoon could face additional criminal charges, including abuse of power.
Previously, Yoon served as prosecutor general under former liberal President Moon Jae-in, before joining the current ruling conservative party in 2021 following a political rift with Moon’s allies.
Editor's Choice: Mass Protests Erupt in Seoul as Court Removes President Yoon from Office
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Today's Top 3 News: South Korean Court Impeaches Yoon Suk Yeol, 5 Countries Caught in U.S. Trade Wars
20 menit lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today, Friday, April 4, 2025.
Mass Protests Erupt in Seoul as Court Removes President Yoon from Office
11 jam lalu
A crowd of Yoon Suk Yeol's supporters is seen chanting "cancel the impeachment" during a rally held outside the presidential palace in Seoul.
South Korea Heads to Snap Election After Yoon's Ouster, Here Are the Contenders
11 jam lalu
South Korea will hold a snap presidential election within 60 days after the Constitutional Court unanimously removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from his position.
BREAKING NEWS: South Korean Court Officially Impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol
13 jam lalu
The South Korean Constitutional Court officially impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from his position on Friday, April 4, 2025.
South Korean Court to Rule on President Yoon's Impeachment Today
13 jam lalu
The Constitutional Court of South Korea will decide whether to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, or to reinstate him to power.
South Korea Mulls Residence Visa for Indonesian Who Rescue Elderly Village from Wildfires
3 hari lalu
The Ministry of Justice of South Korea is considering a long-term residency visa for Sugianto, an Indonesian who saved the elderly from forest fires.
South Korean Police Arrest Man Who Started Forest Fire
5 hari lalu
South Korean police had arrested a man suspected of causing a major forest fire that has swept through the southeastern part of the country.
Megawati Powers Red Sparks to South Korea V-League Final
6 hari lalu
Megawati Hangestri scored the highest points as Red Sparks defeated Hillstate to secure their spot in the 2024/2025 V-League final.
Wildfires and Aging Society Make for Deadly Mix in South Korea
6 hari lalu
The wildfires in North Gyeongsang province, South Korea, began in Uiseong county before spreading 70 km east, much larger than the LA fires in January
10 Most Educated Countries in 2025, Singapore Leads
7 hari lalu
Discover the most educated countries exemplifying the power of strategic investment in education.
