South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on Friday to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol following his attempt to declare martial law on December 3. The decision triggers a snap election to be held within 60 days, with acting president Han Duck-soo remaining in office until then.
Thousands of people protested in Seoul following the court's decision. Supporters of Yoon chanted against the impeachment and the snap election, while opponents celebrated the ruling.
Yoon defended his actions as necessary to address threats from North Korea and root out "anti-state forces." He accepted the court's verdict and expressed gratitude to his supporters.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is considered a frontrunner in the upcoming election.