As South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial nears its conclusion, concerns are growing that his camp may refuse to accept the Constitutional Court’s ruling in an attempt to rally his supporters. While some speculate that Yoon may challenge the decision if the court upholds the impeachment, legal experts argue that such a move would be politically and legally meaningless, dismissing the likelihood of defiance.
According to South Korea’s legal community, the Constitutional Court held its 11th impeachment trial hearing on Tuesday at 2 p.m., marking the final hearing before rendering a verdict.
While Constitutional Court rulings are final and cannot be appealed, some observers have raised concerns that Yoon may refuse to accept the decision if the court rules in favor of impeachment.
Although Yoon’s legal representatives have stated that the president would accept the court’s decision, persistent calls for defiance from far-right factions since the National Assembly’s impeachment motion have fueled speculation about potential non-compliance.
Legal experts unanimously agree that rejecting the Constitutional Court’s decision is not feasible, as presidential powers are immediately revoked when the ruling is announced.
Kim Sun Taek, a professor at Korea University School of Law, stated that defiance is impossible, explaining, “If the Constitutional Court rules for impeachment, the justices will read the statement declaring the president’s removal from office. As soon as the presiding justice records the exact date and time, Yoon will cease to be president.”
Kim added, “Yoon’s supporters may express dissatisfaction, but that has nothing to do with the court’s ruling. If Yoon refuses to accept a decision made by a state institution, he will behave not as a lawyer but as an irrational child.”
Some experts warn that if Yoon attempts to defy the ruling through force, it could be legally classified as insurrection.
Noh Hee Beom, a former Constitutional Court researcher and attorney, stated, “Refusing to accept the ruling has no legal significance. If Yoon rejects the decision, it would be staging an insurrection.”
Noh emphasized, “This is the judiciary’s final verdict, and it is not a matter of acceptance or rejection. The Constitution clearly defines the ruling, and rejecting it would mean violating the very foundation of the legal system.”
From a political perspective, experts argue that Yoon has no practical way to reject the ruling.
Han Sang Hee, a Konkuk University School of Law professor, stated, “There is no option other than compliance. The only way to defy the ruling would be through force, which would, by definition, constitute insurrection.”
Han explained, “If the Constitutional Court rules for impeachment, South Korea will enter a full-scale presidential election period immediately. Politicians will have no time to debate whether to accept or reject the ruling.”
The final ruling is expected to take about two weeks, making March 11 the most likely date for the verdict. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office. If the court rejects the motion, he will resume his presidential duties.
