Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed regret on Friday after being officially removed from office by the Constitutional Court for declaring martial law in December — a controversial decision that led to his downfall.
In a statement released through his legal team shortly after the court’s unanimous ruling, Yoon said, “I deeply regret not being able to live up to your hopes and expectations. Serving this nation has been the greatest honour of my life. I am truly grateful for the continued support and encouragement, even in times I failed to meet expectations.”
Later in the day, Yoon met with People Power Party’s (PPP) interim leader Kwon Young-se and floor leader Kweon Seong-dong at the presidential residence. During the private meeting, he thanked his supporters and expressed hope for South Korea’s progress. He also encouraged the PPP to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming presidential election, stressing the importance of securing a victory.
Yoon’s rapid ascent from top prosecutor to president in just three years captured national attention. His dramatic declaration of martial law in December, however, shocked the country and intensified political divisions — ultimately leading to his removal. He now becomes South Korea’s second president to be ousted by the Constitutional Court, following Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2017 over a corruption scandal.
Before his presidency, Yoon had a distinguished career as a prosecutor beginning in 1994. Notably, he led the investigation that resulted in the impeachment and imprisonment of former President Park. In 2019, he was appointed South Korea’s top prosecutor under then-President Moon Jae-in, but tensions flared when he spearheaded probes into former Justice Minister Cho Kuk’s family, leading to friction with the Moon administration.
Yoon resigned as prosecutor general in 2021 and soon entered politics. As the People Power Party’s candidate, he won the 2022 presidential election. However, his tenure was marred by clashes with an opposition-dominated National Assembly. He vetoed 25 bills passed by the legislature and faced constant resistance from the Democratic Party.
The tipping point came in December 2024, when the opposition introduced impeachment motions against key officials. In response, Yoon declared martial law on December 3 — a move that triggered widespread backlash and ultimately led to his removal from office.
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