South Korea: Statement regarding the Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol

4 April 2025

Today (April 4, 2025), the Constitutional Court of South Korea upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Amnesty International Korea views this process, made through constitutional means, as a significant moment demonstrating the robustness of South Korea's rule of law.

We reiterate the principle that human rights values must be prioritized in all political processes and hope that this decision by the Constitutional Court will lead to further protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms for all.

Based on the decision to uphold the impeachment, Amnesty International Korea urges the new government to:

• Improve laws and systems comprehensively without restriction to legislation only directly related to martial law including the protection of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and demonstration and freedom of press.
• Establish and implement specific policies to protect the human rights of all individuals, including vulnerable groups.
• Actively improve legal systems that do not adequately take into account concerns about human rights violations and establish transparent governance.

Amnesty International maintains the principle that human dignity and fundamental rights must be prioritized in any political situation and that any government decision, including a declaration of a state of emergency, must be open to meaningful review.

Amnesty International Korea will continue to monitor and work towards a society where everyone's rights are fully guaranteed based on international human rights standards.

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all - and we can only do it with your support.

Act now or learn more about our human rights work.