News
Pro-and anti-impeachment rallies continue throughout weekend
2025/04/06 12:00
On the first weekend after the leader was removed from office, public rallies largely stayed divided. Shin Ha-young takes a look. Protests both in support and against the impeachment continued throughout the weekend even after Friday's final verdict. Despite the rainy weather on Saturday, people gathered near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Those who had called for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment looked cheerful, holding signs that said, "Democracy has won." Another rally celebrating the impeachment was held near City Hall Station. Participants cheered, saying the people had won, and called for the removal of what they described as insurrectionist forces. "Turning weapons on the people is unforgivable. Shouldn't those behind the rebellion, and everyone involved, be investigated and punished?" People who opposed the president's impeachment also took to the streets. They held signs reading "Invoking the rights to resist" and chanted, "The impeachment is a fraud and invalid". Some said they couldn't accept the Court's decision and called for Yoon to return to office. "We'll keep standing up for President Yoon Suk Yeol and the rule of law in the Republic of Korea." Police set up barricades around the Gwanghwamun area to prevent clashes between people for and against the impeachment. As of Saturday evening the Korean National Police Agency lowered Seoul's emergency response from the second highest level, which allows for 50 percent mobilization of police forces, to a level where officers are allowed to take leave, but must remain on standby and ready to respond if needed. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.
Live: Presidential Office quietly dismantling as Yoon Suk Yeol Administration ends
2025/04/06 12:00
As the Constitutional Court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from power on Friday, the now former leader has to vacate his office and residence. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young is at the former President's office. Q1. Soo-young, what's the atmosphere like there today on this second day since the Court's ruling? Hi Jungmin, the Presidential Office remains enveloped in silence. Usually, Sundays were also buzzing with activity but today, it looks like only a handful of working-level staff are present. Notably, the regular Sunday meeting of senior secretaries, which had continued even during Yoon's suspension, will not be held today. This follows a mass resignation submitted by senior aides including Chief-of-Staff Chung Jin-suk and National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik. Acting President Han Duck-soo turned them down, requesting that they remain in their positions during this transitional period to play supportive roles. Still, the air of resignation is pervasive. Soon after Friday's ruling, the phoenix flag the symbol of the head of state was taken down from the main flagpole. The large digital display in the basement hallway of the building, that showed images of Yoon at major events, now just shows a black screen. The Presidential Office's official website has been unavailable since Saturday, while Yoon's personal social media profiles have been updated to reflect his change of status from the President of the Republic of Korea, to the 20th President of the Republic of Korea. Meanwhile, state authorities will begin transferring official documents to the Presidential Archives, which is required under law at the end of every administration. The Interior Ministry said Sunday, on-site inspections will begin next week on 28 venues including the Presidential Office, the National Security Council, the Presidential Security Service, and relevant advisory bodies. The Presidential Office has not issued any official statements following Friday's fateful ruling, as it retreats quietly without ceremony. Q2. Sooyoung, there's a lot of attention now on what comes next, especially regarding former President Yoon's departure from the official residence. What do we know about those plans? There's no timeline yet for former President Yoon's relocation from the official residence, where he stayed throughout the weekend. It was initially expected the Yoon and his wife would move out as early as Saturday to return to their high-rise apartment across the river. However, there's been no sign of such movement nor indication it will happen soon. According to an official I spoke with, there's still much to sort through and organize, making a move unlikely this weekend. The Presidential Security Service also told media on Sunday that there are no detailed plans just yet. By law, the PSS provides basic personal protection for former presidents, even those ousted by impeachment. Yoon is said to be considering other venues further away from the city center, considering his security arrangements and to minimise disturbances for neighbours. His thirteen pets are reportedly also being factored into the decision. Thus, it seems Yoon will move out later compared to former President Park Geun-hye, who left the presidential quarters two days after her impeachment was upheld in 2017. I see. Well, do keep us updated on any developments.
Trump's 10% tariff takes effect; worst week for U.S. stocks, global markets in panic
2025/04/05 18:00
U.S. President Donald Trump's 10% baseline tariff on imports from many countries took effect this afternoon, intensifying the ongoing trade war. China has already retaliated with its own tariffs, sending global markets into turmoil. Our Kim Jung-sil reports. U.S. President Donald Trump's initial 10% "baseline" tariff on imports took effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Time on Saturday. Only a few nations, including Canada and Mexico, are exempt. The 10% baseline tariff can be seen as the 'first phase' of the tariffs President Trump announced on April 2nd, which he called 'Liberation Day' for America. From April 9th, the second phase of tariffs will come into effect, targeting countries President Trump has labeled as 'the worst offenders,' including South Korea, which will face a 25% tariff. For China, the tariff rate will rise to 54%. In response, China announced on Friday that it would impose a reciprocal 34% tariff on all U.S. imports, set to take effect on April 10th. The latest tariff announcements have shaken global markets. In the U.S., all three major stock indexes plummeted, with the Dow Jones falling by 5.5% and the S&P 500 dropping nearly 6%, capping the worst week since 2020. "It's an economic Armageddon that was unleashed by Trump. And the tariff war has begun, and we believe this could set tech stocks and the tech industry in the U.S. back potentially a decade." Analysts warn that the economic consequences of the trade war could be severe, particularly for U.S. tech companies reliant on Asian supply chains. Professor Yang Jun-sok, an economics expert at The Catholic University of Korea, says China is directly challenging President Trump, arguing that once tariffs exceed a certain level, China faces little risk, but this has rattled American investors. "It'll be a big question whether the European Union and Canada will join China in retaliation. If they do, then President Trump may have no choice but to back down from his high tariff policy." As stock markets continue to tumble, all eyes are on whether China's latest move will prompt President Trump to reconsider his aggressive tariff policies. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.
Acting chief justice thanks police, journalists for ensuring safety after ruling
2025/04/05 18:00
Acting chief justice of the Constitutional Court, Moon Hyung-bae, thanked South Korean police for ensuring the court's safety. According to the court on Saturday, Moon also thanked journalists for diligently covering the ruling and ensuring the impeachment trial proceeded smoothly. He further recognized constitutional researchers and court staff for their role in the trial's successful conclusion. The eight justices who delivered the final verdict on Friday will be on leave until the 6th.
N. Korea reports Yoon's dismissal without comment
2025/04/05 18:00
And a day after Friday's ruling, North Korea reported on the ouster of former President Yoon, noting that the dismissal was the result of a unanimous vote over his brief martial law order. The North's state media made no commentary on Saturday, instead citing headlines from major foreign news outlets. By contrast, in 2017, it took just about two hours for the North to report on former President Park Geun-hye's dismissal. Experts say the regime appears to be keeping its distance from the South, as leader Kim Jong-un has described inter-Korean relations as "hostile."
Acting President holds NSC meeting after Yoon's removal, calls for readiness against N. Korean provocations
2025/04/05 18:00
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged all foreign and security ministries to unite and safeguard national security and public safety. Convening the National Security Council just hours after President Yoon's removal from office, Han warned that North Korea may try to exploit the political situation through provocations and propaganda. He stressed the need to maintain a watertight state of readiness. Han also called for continued cooperation with the Trump administration, especially in diplomacy and security. On trade issues, including Washington's reciprocal tariffs, he urged a coordinated, whole-of-government response with support from the private sector.
S. Korea's partners support impeachment ruling
2025/04/05 18:00
Following Friday's verdict, countries around the world expressed support in South Korea's democratic system, adding they're looking forward to working with the next administration — whoever it may be. Our Kim Do-yeon reports. Following the Constitutional Court's decision to uphold President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, the U.S. State Department responded to inquiries from South Korean media, stating that it respects the ruling. It also reaffirmed its commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance, saying it looks forward to continued close cooperation. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was also asked about the impeachment ruling. He said, "Under any circumstances, the government will pursue this as a key policy task, based on the recognition that close cooperation between South Korea and Japan is extremely important." This comes as Seoul and Tokyo mark the 60th anniversary of reestablishing diplomatic ties this year. In light of the occasion, local media have also reported that a summit is expected to take place later this year, once South Korea's next president is elected. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to South Korea as a strategic partner, emphasizing its respect for the country's Constitution and Constitution and democratic values. In an official statement, the EU highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties based on shared principles. Meanwhile, the United Nations praised South Korea's democratic maturity. During a routine press briefing, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Secretary-General António Guterres expressed full confidence in South Korea. According to the spokesperson, the Secretary-General "has full confidence in the Republic of Korea's commitment to democratic principles, a peaceful and stable path forward, and the country's institutions." Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.
Political standoff between rival parties deepens ahead of early presidential election
2025/04/05 18:00
South Korea has officially entered early presidential election mode, with a new president required to be elected within 60 days. Rival parties in parliament remain deeply divided as the race begins. Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young has more. It's been one day since the Constitutional Court removed now-former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, and the political standoff between rival parties is already deepening ahead of the early presidential election. The People Power Party has called on the Democratic Party to take responsibility, following the Constitutional Court's call for greater tolerance and restraint in politics. A PPP spokesperson noted on Saturday that the Court criticized parliament for operating unilaterally. In Friday's impeachment ruling, the Court said the National Assembly should have respected minority views and sought compromise with the government. The PPP emphasized that South Korea can only move forward by restoring parliamentary democracy. It also pledged to help stabilize the country in the wake of the recent turmoil caused by the martial law declaration and the president's impeachment. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party criticized the People Power Party, saying it should reflect on its actions and sever ties with those responsible for the insurrection before entering the early presidential race. A DP spokesperson said on Saturday it was "shocking" that the PPP is already focused on winning the election following President Yoon's removal. The party also urged Acting President Han Duck-soo to promptly set the election date, saying it should be announced no later than Tuesday of next week. The date for South Korea's 21st presidential election is widely expected to be confirmed at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting. Acting President Han Duck-soo held a phone call on Friday with National Election Commission chief Roh Tae-ak to discuss preparations for the upcoming vote. The two reportedly agreed on June 3rd as the most likely election date. "With an early election now confirmed, rival parties are expected to begin preparations for their primaries as soon as next week. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News."
Court removes President Yoon Suk Yeol over Dec. 3 martial law in unanimous 22-minute ruling
2025/04/05 12:00
As of 11:22 AM on Friday, the Constitutional Court of Korea officially ousted now former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law declaration, which the court judged as unconstitutional. Our Oh Soo-young reports. "The current time is 11:22 AM. Ruling: President Yoon Suk Yeol is hereby removed from office." Four months after President Yoon Suk Yeol's December 3rd martial law,. the Constitutional Court on Friday issued a unanimous decision to oust the nation's leader, immediately stripping him of his presidency. All eight members of the bench decided to uphold the National Assembly's motion to remove Yoon from power, declaring his martial law declaration on December third last year a grave violation of the Constitution and democratic principles, and a betrayal of public trust. Beginning at 11 AM, Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae delivered the collective decision, and reasoning, which showed the full bench upheld all five grounds for impeachment presented by the Assembly on how Yoon's martial law had disrupted the country's constitutional order. Yoon had made the unprecedented effort of defending himself in his impeachment trial alongside his lawyers. He argued that martial law had been his executive right under the Constitution, which allows the measure to be triggered in times of national emergency, with the need to maintain public order. Yoon had cited the opposition-led National Assembly's legislative abuse, budget cuts, and excessive impeachment motions against his administration as amounting to a state of national emergency. He also raised concerns of election fraud and concluded that he'd declared martial law as a warning or appeal to the nation. The Court rejected Yoon's arguments as unacceptable and insufficient. "By declaring martial law in violation of the Constitution and relevant laws, the respondent re-enacted the historical abuse of emergency powers, throwing citizens into a state of shock and causing disruption across all areas of society, economy, politics, and diplomacy." The Court found there to be no genuine emergency nor severe disruption of public order to justify Yoon's imposition of the controversial measure. While acknowledging intense political tensions and the opposition's impeachment motions, the Court stressed that Yoon had the democratic tools to resolve political disputes without unconstitutional actions. Also, Yoon's martial law did not meet procedural requirements, as he did not sufficiently consult the Cabinet, nor did he notify parliament about his martial law proclamation. Second, the bench said Yoon deployed military and police forces illegally to obstruct the National Assembly, infringing on lawmakers’ constitutional rights and undermining democratic governance. Third, Yoon's martial law proclamation banned political activities, infringing citizens' basic rights. Also, the former president ordered unwarranted searches of the National Election Commission, breaching its independence. Fifth, Yoon infringed upon judicial independence by attempting to locate former senior judges for potential arrest. The ruling comes 111 days after the court case began, with the National Assembly's impeachment vote. 11 trial hearings, and 16 witness testimonies were held. The deliberation took a record 38일, three times longer than previous presidential impeachment cases. Yoon is now South Korea's second elected leader to be ousted by impeachment, after former President Park Geun-hye was removed from office in 2017. A historic day of reckoning for South Korean democracy --the verdict stresses presidential accountability and the urgent need for bipartisan compromise in a deeply divided political climate. As one chapter closes, South Korea moves forward, still testing and reinforcing the strength of its democratic foundations. Oh Sooyoung, Arirang News.
China hits back with 34% tariff on U.S.; stocks plunge, global markets in turmoil
2025/04/05 12:00
Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have reached a new peak, with both nations taking drastic steps that threaten to reshape global commerce. On Friday, China announced that it will impose a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports, starting next week. Stock markets tumbled following the announcement. Our Kim Jung-sil reports. In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing trade dispute, China has retaliated against the U.S. with a hefty 34% tariff on all U.S. imports. "The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced on Friday that China will impose an additional 34% tariffs on all products imported from the United States starting from (12:01) April 10th." The move comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled 54% tariffs on all Chinese imports. The new tariffs have sent shockwaves through global markets. In the U.S., all three major stock indexes plummeted, with the Dow Jones falling by 5.5% and the S&P 500 dropping nearly 6%, capping the worst week since 2020. Despite increased demand for safe-haven assets, gold prices also fell nearly 3%. Analysts suggest that the recent market crashes have left investors with liquidity shortages, prompting them to liquidate gold holdings to cover margin calls. "It's an economic Armageddon that was unleashed by Trump. And the tariff war has begun, and we believe this could set tech stocks and the tech industry in the U.S. back potentially a decade." Analysts warn that the economic consequences of the trade war could be severe, particularly for U.S. tech companies reliant on Asian supply chains. Professor Yang Jun-sok, an economics expert at The Catholic University of Korea, says China is directly challenging President Trump, arguing that once tariffs exceed a certain level, China faces little risk, but it has rattled American investors. "It'll be a big question whether the European Union and Canada will join China in retaliation. If they do, then President Trump may have no choice but to back down from his high tariff policy." As stock markets continue to tumble, all eyes are on whether China's latest move will prompt President Trump to reconsider his aggressive tariff policies. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.
U.S. committed to working with acting President Han
2025/04/05 12:00
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to working with South Korea's Acting President, Han Duck-soo, stressing its "ironclad" security commitment to Seoul. A State Department spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency on Friday that the U.S. respects South Korea's democratic institutions, its legal processes, and the Constitutional Court's decision. The European Union also expressed its respect for the Constitution and legal proceedings in South Korea, reiterating its close strategic partnership with Seoul.
N. Korea reports Yoon's dismissal without comment
2025/04/05 12:00
And a day after Friday's ruling, North Korea reported on the ouster of former President Yoon, noting that the dismissal was the result of a unanimous vote over his brief martial law order. The North's state media made no commentary on Saturday, instead citing headlines from major foreign news outlets. By contrast, in 2017, it took just about two hours for the North to report on former President Park Geun-hye's dismissal. Experts say the regime appears to be keeping its distance from the South, as leader Kim Jong-un has described inter-Korean relations as "hostile."
Acting President holds NSC meeting after Yoon's removal, calls for readiness against N. Korean provocations
2025/04/05 12:00
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged all foreign and security ministries to unite and safeguard national security and public safety. Convening the National Security Council just hours after President Yoon's removal from office, Han warned that North Korea may try to exploit the political situation through provocations and propaganda. He stressed the need to maintain a watertight state of readiness. Han also called for continued cooperation with the Trump administration, especially in diplomacy and security. On trade issues, including Washington's reciprocal tariffs, he urged a coordinated, whole-of-government response with support from the private sector.
Protests both for and against impeachment to continue on Saturday
2025/04/05 12:00
Despite Friday's final verdict, protests both in support and against the impeachment are continuing today. Those for the impeachment are celebrating and wrapping up their protests on Saturday, while those against the impeachment are now entering a new phase of protesting against the Court's ruling. An organization that's for the impeachment said there will be a gathering at around 4 PM near Gyeongbokgung Palace, with 100-thousand people expected. An anti-impeachment organization said they will be gathering starting 1 PM at Gwanghwamun Square with around 200-thousand people expected.
Yoon apologizes for not living up to expectations as he is stripped of presidency
2025/04/05 12:00
The political fate of the prosecutor general-turned-president has ended in disgrace, with the remainder of his term cut short. The former President sent out a brief message after the ruling. Our Kim Do-yeon has the details. Shortly after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, Yoon laid out a brief message through his legal representatives. While he didn't directly mention the Constitutional Court's ruling, he thanked his supporters and said, "I am sincerely grateful for your unwavering support and encouragement, even when I fell short. I deeply regret not being able to live up to your hopes and expectations ." Meanwhile media caught the moment the phoenix flag, the symbol of South Korea's president, came down from the Yongsan Presidential Office building, signaling the end of President Yoon's 1,060-day presidency. "The Office will be supporting Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. But at around 3:30 PM, the Presidential Office released a written statement saying that the Chief of Staff, the Chief of Staff for Policy, the National Security Advisor — along with all senior level secretaries — expressed their intent to resign." The Acting President, however, rejected the resignations a few hours later, saying that the government needs to be in full operation. As for Yoon, however, he has now become a civilian. While he is still at the Presidential Residence and will have to leave, there are no clear rules for that, so we will have to wait. Former president Park Geun-hye left the former presidential Blue House two days after her ruling. Yoon is expected to return to his home in the Seocho-gu District of Seoul. From this point on, he will not be treated as a former president due to Friday's ruling. This means no presidential pension or a spot at the National Cemetery. The Presidential Security Service will no longer be fully protecting him, but because he has state confidential information, there will be a downsized security team to at least guarantee his safety for at least five years and ten at the maximum. This also ties into his criminal trial. It'll now be much easier for the prosecutors to call Yoon in for further questioning, as he won't have an official security system around him. That wasn't the case until now, as we had seen some conflict between the investigators for the criminal case and the Presidential Security Service. In South Korea's legal system, if Yoon is convicted of leading an insurrection, he could face life in prison or the death penalty. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.
Korean won strengthens against U.S. dollar; KOSPI falls on chip tariff fears
2025/04/04 20:00
The local currency strengthened against the greenback on Friday, driven by the dollar's weakness and eased political uncertainties. Moon Ji-young explains. The Korean won strengthened on Friday, trading against the U.S. dollar at 1-thousand-4-hundred-34-point-1 won at 3:30 PM, down 32-point-9 won from the previous day. The local currency saw a brief spike against the greenback, trading at one-thousand-4-hundred-30-point 2 per U.S. dollar at one point as the Constitutional Court was delivering its ruling to oust President Yoon Suk Yeol. "This depreciation of the U.S. dollar can be primarily attributed to the concerns over an economic slowdown in the U.S. in addition to the strengthening of the Korean won, driven by eased political uncertainties" Meanwhile, the benchmark KOSPI lost 21-point-28 points or point-86 percent to close at 2645.42. As Trump announced that tariffs on chips will start "very soon" on April 3rd local time, semiconductors led the decline, with market bellwether Samsung Electronics falling 2-point-6 percent and its rival SK Hynix tumbling nearly 6-point-4 percent. On the same day, the so-called F4 gathering of top financial officials, including Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, convened to assess market conditions following the Court's ruling. The officials concluded that there were no significant changes after the ruling and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the increasing pressures on domestic companies and the economy resulting from U.S. tariffs. They highlighted the necessity of passing a supplementary budget of 10 trillion won, roughly 6.9 billion U.S. dollars, to the National Assembly. Moon Ji-young, Arirang News.
Foreign media outlets cover Constitutional Court's verdict on Friday as breaking news
2025/04/04 20:00
The international media has been quick to cover the court's verdict, calling the event a pivotal moment in South Korea's democracy. Kim Bo-kyoung recaps the foreign media response. Foreign media outlets were quick to deliver the Constitutional Court's ruling to oust President Yoon Suk Yeol. Reuters said Yoon lost a reckless gamble with martial law, while the New York Times said the Constitutional Court's decision cleared the way for South Korea to elect a new leader after months of political turmoil that has tested its democratic guardrails. British daily newspaper the Guardian and public broadcaster the BBC focused on the country's democracy. Calling the day "momentous," the Guardian said the fear sparked by Yoon's martial law declaration has been answered with his removal from office, and that the historic verdict will be remembered as a crucial moment in South Korea's democratic journey. The BBC, too, emphasized how the declaration of martial law was an attack to the heart of the country's democracy, but was able to eventually survive. Many others, including the Financial Times, laid out a road map of what would come next, explaining that a presidential election must be held within 60 days, with others like Bloomberg pointing out a series of challenges the country's next leader would have to deal with including contending with Washington's escalated global tariff campaign. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba talked about the ruling with a parliamentary committee. Saying while the upcoming presidential election is South Korea's democracy to decide, he stated that the two countries' ties are extremely important, considering it not just from a security perspective but also for regional peace and stability. He further highlighted Seoul-Tokyo relations, especially in that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties. Japanese public broadcaster NHK, and local newspapers such as Yomiuri, Asahi, and Nihon Keizai Shimbun all reported the news as breaking stories via their online editions. Some, including the Nikkei, raised concerns over the impact on the previously favorable South Korea-Japan relationship. The Chinese public showed strong interest in the ruling as well, with keywords related to Yoon losing the presidency being among the top trending searches on Chinese portal sites and social media platforms, while state-run media outlet Xinhua swiftly issued a breaking news report almost simultaneously with the Court's ruling. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.
Contrasting protestor reactions: 'Cheers vs. Tears' following Yoon's impeachment verdict
2025/04/04 20:00
Protesters both for and against the impeachment took to the streets on this day, too. Once the ruling was delivered, their reactions were in sharp contrast. Our Park Kun-woo reports. Joy on side, despair on the other, following the Constitutional Court's decision on President Yoon's impeachment on Friday. Thousands of pro-impeachment protesters, who mainly gathered near Anguk Station, the closest station to the Court, erupted in cheers immediately after the ruling. Celebrating the outcome and expressing relief, they shouted "We won," as their long-held wishes were finally granted. People were seen jumping, singing, and hugging each other in joy. Yoon's supporters, on the other hand, who had largely relocated to Hannam-dong near the Presidential Residence, voiced their outrage, some even crying. Protests there grew increasingly fierce, though most had ended by the afternoon. One supporter even smashed a police vehicle near the Constitutional Court with a baton after the decision was made. He was later caught and arrested by the police for damaging public property and is expected to face charges. But, fortunately, no large-scale riots broke out at demonstration sites, as had been feared. "With tensions still high, the highest emergency level 'gapho' remained in place throughout the day before being lifted at 6 PM on Friday. It was then lowered to 'eulho' in Seoul, the second highest level, allowing 50-percent mobilization of police forces." Over 2-hundred riot police units, with more than 14-thousand personnel, were dispatched in Seoul, along with special forces also on duty to prevent terrorist or drone attacks. A 1-hundred-50 meter radius around the Constitutional Court has been locked down with police vehicles, designating the area as a "vacuum zone," but began partially opening later in the day. Stations including Anguk as well as Hangangjin located near the Presidential Residence, were temporarily closed but later reopened. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also inspected areas where demonstrations had taken place on Friday, saying there were no major issues. However, he asked for close monitoring of the situation until it calms down, even through the weekend. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.
When will snap election be held in South Korea to replace Pres. Yoon?
2025/04/04 20:00
Up next, our Bae Eun-ji explains a possible time frame as to an early election. Now that the Constitutional Court has ruled against President Yoon Suk Yeol, he has been removed from office immediately meaning a formal end to his presidency. An early presidential election will have to be held within two months, so that a new president can take office. South Korea's Constitution specifically says, "a successor must be elected within 60 days, in case the president is disqualified by a court ruling." And the nation's Public Official Election Act says, the day of the election must be publicly announced by the President or acting President by "not later than 50 days before the election day." This means, since the court ruled against Yoon on April 4th, Acting President Han Duck-soo must announce an election day before April 14th. The National Election Commission has already said that if a snap election were to take place, it would be sometime between May 24th and June 3rd. But it's widely believed that the election will be held on June 3rd, exactly 60 days after the ruling, to give parties as much time as possible to prepare for elections and leave some time for campaigning. Another reason is that June 3rd is a Tuesday. Mondays and Fridays are usually not seen as viable options for an election day, due to fear of low voter turnouts, as voters are less likely to head to polls right before or after weekends. And this is not the first time South Korea is holding a snap election. Eight years ago, an early presidential election was held after former President Park Geun-hye was removed from office over a corruption scandal. The court ruled against Park on March 10th, 2017 , and most parties registered their candidates to run for the presidential election from March 31st to April 4th. Then, the election was held on May 9th, exactly 60일 after the Constitutional Court's ruling. So just as was the case in 2017, the country is likely to set aside a full two months to prepare for an election to choose its next president.
Rival parties show mixed reactions to Court's ruling to impeach Yoon
2025/04/04 20:00
The impeachment of the president is more of a start than a final end, leaving behind the four-month-long confusion in the country. With a snap election in mind, political parties were quick to send out messages of their own. Our National Assembly correspondent Shin Ha-young has more. The reaction from lawmakers across the aisle stands poles apart at the National Assembly. The ruling People Power Party, which had hoped the impeachment would be overturned, fell silent as the court unanimously removed Yoon from office. Interim leader Kwon Young-se said that while the decision is regrettable, the party apologizes and accepts the outcome. "First and foremost, we sincerely apologize to the people. We take full responsibility for not fulfilling our role as the ruling party. We also regret failing to stop the Democratic Party's repeated legislative overreach and political tyranny in the opposition-controlled National Assembly." PPP lawmakers gathered after the ruling to discuss the party's response and next steps, where its floor leader Kwon Seong-dong urged unity and emphasized the need to focus on winning the presidential election, which is just two months away. On the other hand, after the ruling, cheers broke out among the main opposition Democratic Party, which was at the forefront of the opposition-led push in the parliament to remove Yoon from office. The party welcomed the decision. DP leader Lee Jae-myung expressed gratitude to the public, saying they had taken back their democracy. "A sitting president being impeached for the second time is a tragedy that should never happen again in Korea's constitutional history. ( ) Now, a new chapter begins. With the people, we will work to restore livelihoods, peace, the economy, and democracy through unity." "With the Constitutional Court's decision to remove now-former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, rival parties are now set to kick off a two-month race." All eyes are on the PPP, which had opposed impeachment, as the ruling could be a major blow with the presidential election just 60 days away. The party's biggest challenge will be overcoming public backlash over the martial law declaration and the burden of Yoon's impeachment, while also winning over centrist and independent voters. For the DP, which has been eager to regain power since its defeat three years ago, the focus is now on when Chairman Lee Jae-myung, the party's frontrunner, will step down as leader and officially launch his presidential bid. Meanwhile, addressing the public, Acting President Han Duck-soo said on Friday that he will do his best to make sure the upcoming election and transition to the next government go smoothly. Han also vowed to ensure stability in national security and diplomacy following the Court's ruling. "This is a serious moment in history, with a sitting president impeached for the second time. As acting president, I will make sure there are no gaps in national security and foreign affairs, maintaining a firm security posture." Han also emphasized the need to ease public concerns and confusion in the wake of the Court's ruling. Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.