3 Impeachment verdict scenarios: What Yoon's removal or return to office will mean for South Korea

With President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment fate to be sealed on Friday, we take a look at the various outcomes that the Court's decision could lead to.

How would the verdict affect the President himself and the nation?

Our Oh Soo-young explains.

The fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the nation hangs on the Constitutional Court's decision on his impeachment Friday.

The ruling will mean immediate consequences regarding the governance of the country as the leader's removal or reinstatement spells out very different outcomes.

If the Court upholds the impeachment, Yoon would become the nation's second president in history to be removed from office—following Park Geun-hye’s impeachment eight years ago.

Effective immediately,. Yoon would have to vacate his office for good and leave the official residence in Yongsan-gu District.

He would lose all post-presidential privileges—no pension, no office, no staff support, and no burial rights at the National Cemetery.

His protection would be limited to basic personal security.

With the leadership vacuum made permanent, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would continue as Acting President until an early election is held within 60 days.

On the flip side, if the impeachment is dismissed with prejudice it would mean the Court has found the National Assembly's grounds for his removal insufficient and the case is closed for good.

After over three months of suspension, the President would immediately resume his duties.

It's expected he'd then address the public through a televised message or press conference.

His first tasks back in office are likely to focus first on foreign policy and national security, as there has not been top-level engagement with the United States since President Donald Trump's inauguration..

Yoon would also begin laying out proposals for constitutional and political reform, as pledged during his final court appearance.

While his impeachment case would be closed for good, Yoon would still face investigations regarding his Dec. 3 Martial Law declaration, but during his presidency, would be immune from charges other than for treason and insurrection.

Another scenario is the Court dismissing the case without prejudice.

The case would be dropped due to legal or procedural issues, meaning the bench decided not to rule on the grounds or evidence presented.

The President would return to office, but the National Assembly could reattempt impeachment in the future.

Six or more justices must consent to uphold an impeachment.

Three or more justices deciding against impeachment would lead to a dismissal.

"While sources say the justices have reached an understanding on the verdict, the bench is expected to sign off their decision at the last minute, either the evening before or early in the morning of the ruling, to maintain utmost confidentiality."

The ruling takes legal effect the moment the presiding justice reads the decision on live TV.

20 members of the public will be selected through a lottery to attend the ruling.

12-thousand people applied on the first day that registration opened on the Court's website.

President Yoon's attendance is largely expected but has not been confirmed by his lawyers.

Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.