[Impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol] Major Foreign Media Urgently Report 'President Yoon's Impeachment'... "A Crucial Moment for Korean Democracy"

"Public Resistance and Parliamentary Vote... Judiciary Also Rejects Martial Law"
Pessimistic Outlook on Continued Turmoil and Division

On the morning of the 4th, when the Constitutional Court decided to dismiss President Yoon Seok-yeol, major foreign media outlets from the United States, Japan, China, and other countries quickly reported it as a major news story. The foreign media emphasized the significance of this as an important moment for Korean democracy while also reflecting the chaotic atmosphere within South Korea.

Major Foreign Media Quickly Report Constitutional Court Decision

On that day, the US Associated Press (AP) reported, "President Yoon was dismissed four months after plunging the country into chaos by sending the military to the National Assembly in a frustrated attempt at martial law to break the legislative deadlock," adding, "The decision was unanimous."

Reuters also reported, "South Korea's Constitutional Court has dismissed President Yoon," noting, "It cited the National Assembly's impeachment related to the declaration of martial law, which triggered the worst political crisis in decades in South Korea." It added, "Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae pointed out that President Yoon violated his duties by using powers beyond those granted by the constitution, thereby endangering democracy."

AFP reported, "The Constitutional Court upheld President Yoon's impeachment and stripped him of his position," stating, "President Yoon became the second leader to be impeached after former President Park Geun-hye in 2017."

The US daily The New York Times (NYT) reported, "South Korea's highest court unanimously decided to dismiss President Yoon," adding, "This opens the way for the key US ally to move beyond a test of democratic safeguards and elect a new leader."

On April 4, when the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol, police officers wearing protective gear were on alert duty near the presidential residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, preparing for any possible situation. 2025. 04. 04 Photo by Yoon Dong-joo

The Washington Post (WP) explained, "Following public resistance and parliamentary votes, the judiciary also expressed its rejection of President Yoon's attempt at the first martial law since democratization."

The British Guardian stated, "The fear triggered by President Yoon's declaration of martial law was resolved by his dismissal," adding, "This historic decision will be remembered as a significant moment in the journey of Korean democracy."

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency issued a breaking news alert at 11:22 a.m. on the same day, almost simultaneously with the Constitutional Court's ruling. It was the fastest among foreign media. China Central Television (CCTV) also displayed a breaking news subtitle about the dismissal during regular programming. CCTV sent its correspondent to the Constitutional Court to report on the atmosphere on site.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK displayed a subtitle during another program stating, "President Yoon's impeachment trial, immediate dismissal." Then, at 11:30 a.m., NHK connected to its Seoul bureau correspondent to provide detailed coverage of the impeachment ruling. Local newspapers such as Yomiuri, Asahi, and Nihon Keizai Shimbun also delivered breaking news through their online editions.

Reporting Both Support and Opposition to Impeachment... Political Turmoil Anticipated

On April 4, the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol. Near the presidential residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, supporters opposing the impeachment are showing signs of frustration. 2025. 04. 04 Photo by Yoon Dong-joo

Foreign media reported contrasting reactions from pro- and anti-impeachment rallies following the dismissal decision. The British BBC described, "Tears of sorrow and joy were exchanged between supporters and opponents of President Yoon who took to the streets ahead of the verdict," adding, "Police are preparing for possible violent protests."

They also recalled that during former President Park Geun-hye's dismissal in 2017, violent protests by supporters resulted in four deaths. The Guardian and NYT detailed the deployment of at least 14,000 police officers around the Constitutional Court and the controlled situation in the area.

However, foreign media expressed a bleak outlook that South Korea's political turmoil would not be easily resolved even after President Yoon's dismissal. AP explained, "The country has been plunged into political chaos due to President Yoon's declaration of martial law and impeachment," adding, "Experts expect continued national division, with intensified protests by supporters."

Reuters noted, "The political crisis that cast a shadow over negotiations with the Donald Trump administration in the US came to an end with today's ruling," but pointed out, "It remains uncertain whether the political disorder triggered by the martial law declaration will ease." WP predicted, "While today's ruling ends President Yoon's short political career, it will not mark the end of the months-long turmoil South Korea has experienced." AFP pointed out, "South Korea has suffered the worst wildfires and aviation accidents in history amid a leadership vacuum, and faced a 25% tariff from its key ally, the United States."

On the morning of the day, the Constitutional Court dismissed President Yoon Seok-yeol. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae read the impeachment ruling order at around 11:22 a.m., stating, "President Yoon Seok-yeol is dismissed." The dismissal took effect immediately, causing President Yoon to lose his position from that moment. It was 122 days since President Yoon declared the emergency martial law on December 3, and 111 days since the impeachment motion was filed on December 14 last year. The Constitutional Court reached a unanimous conclusion with no dissenting judges. Some judges added separate opinions only on detailed issues.