'Took actions beyond the powers': South Korea's constitutional court removes President Yoon Suk Yeol from office

South Korean constitutional court on Friday upheld President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his decision to impose the controversial martial law last year. It said that the president "took actions beyond the powers".

"We hereby pronounce the following ruling, with the unanimous agreement of all Justices. (We) dismiss respondent President Yoon Suk Yeol," acting chief justice Moon Hyung-bae said.

The court added that Yoon "did not merely declare martial law, but went on to commit acts that violated the Constitution and the law, including mobilising military and police forces to obstruct the National Assembly's exercise of its authority."

The country has faced prolonged political unrest since December last year when President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law and deployed troops to parliament in an effort to undermine civilian governance.

If the court ruled in favor of his removal, South Korea would be required to hold a new presidential election within two months. However, if the impeachment was overturned, Yoon would immediately resume his presidential duties.

Yeol’s declaration of martial law on December 3 lasted just six hours before he was compelled to revoke it after the opposition-led legislature swiftly voted to nullify the order. Later that month, lawmakers impeached Yoon, stripping him of his powers and referring his case to the Constitutional Court. In addition to impeachment, Yoon is also facing a separate criminal trial on charges of alleged rebellion.