South Koreans rejoiced as the Constitutional Court upheld the National Assembly’s impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday — a ruling delivered 122 days after his botched declaration of martial law.
Many expressed relief at the end of political uncertainty and voiced hopes for a recovery in the sluggish domestic economy. However, some offered a grim outlook of a prolonged recession exacerbated by US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on all imports from Korea.
Kim Yi-kang, a 40-something tech worker in the city of Sejong, said he felt a great sense of relief after watching the ruling via a YouTube link earlier in the day.
“With political uncertainty finally behind us, I believe it’s vital to focus our national efforts on addressing major challenges such as US trade policies and the economic downturn,” he said.
A 29-year-old employee at a trade company, surnamed Kim, noted she never expected to witness a sitting president removed from office twice in her lifetime — recalling the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye eight years ago.
“Regardless of political affiliation, the fact that the unjustifiable martial law led to impeachment and was upheld reassures me that democracy still exists,” she added.
Some people expressed hope that the deep political divide would begin to ease, with a new presidential election expected in early June, following Yoon’s removal.
“I’m tired of the constant anti-Yoon and pro-Yoon rallies,” said Do Kwang-seok, 43, of Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.
“I hope the country, once divided, can now move toward unity.”
An owner of a "pojangmacha," or covered cart bar, voiced frustration over the months of protests impacting her business.
“Protesters drink all night, throw up and even urinate on my wall,” she said. “The roads are blocked on weekends because of the rallies, and I barely have any customers. These protests have made it extremely difficult for small business owners.”
A Busan resident surnamed Moon, working at a local research institute, reflected, "I hope the Constitutional Court’s decision serves as a valuable lesson from the conflicts that have persisted since late last year. Moving forward, we must remember that the Constitution, rooted in democracy, is fair to all. I hope the next leader can unite the people and wisely navigate both domestic and international challenges with the trust of the entire nation.”
Small business owners — severely impacted by a downturn in consumer sentiment since Yoon’s martial law declaration in December 2024 — were among those celebrating the most.
“I don’t care who becomes the next president. I just hope they’ll save people like us. Look around — it's lunchtime, and no one is here. After the court ruling, the government needs to act quickly to revitalize the economy," said a 60-something pork soup restaurant owner in Anguk-dong, central Seoul.
Park, a 30-something owner of a Korean cuisine pub in Songpa-gu, southeastern Seoul, echoed the view, saying, "The martial law crisis last year was devastating for business."
“I lost 30 to 40 percent in sales during the holiday season compared to 2023," Park said. "I’m just relieved this whole fiasco is finally ending.”
Still, some remained skeptical about the practical impact of Yoon’s removal.
“Even though the court upheld the impeachment, I don’t think there will be noticeable changes in our daily lives,” said a 31-year-old Suwon resident who wished to be identified only by his surname, Gwon.
“The bigger issue is the leadership vacuum that’s making it harder to negotiate with the Trump administration, which recently finalized 25 percent tariffs on Korean-made goods.”
hyejin2@heraldcorp.com
