In brief
The streets of Seoul erupted in celebration after the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. For some, the ruling represented hope for a brighter future, while others faced uncertainty about what lies ahead.
In the early morning chill of April 4, 2025, a wave of anticipation swept through the streets of downtown Seoul as citizens anxiously awaited the Constitutional Court’s historic ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Many had camped overnight, thrumming with tension as they gathered outside the courthouse, separated by police barricades from opposing factions.As the acting chief justice began to articulate the court's decision, the crowd fell into a hush, intensifying the palpable sense of hope and despair. With anticipation gripping the gathered masses, some individuals clasped their hands together in prayer, while others captured the moment on their phones, a testament to the historic nature of the verdict in not only Yoon's political career but also for the nation.When the verdict was announced, the air filled with jubilant cries and cheers from supporters of the impeachment. Embraces and shouts of joy broke out among those who had believed in the court’s decision. Across the city, however, a stark contrast could be felt among Yoon's supporters, who gathered outside the president's residence, expressing their sorrow and outrage with loud boos and curses, clearly dismayed by the court’s ruling.Among the jubilant crowd, 55-year-old Kim Ji-seon articulated a sense of relief and hope: “It’s been so hard, but now my heart is relieved. I hope they can create a country where people can be happy.” Despite the joy echoed in these streets, many citizens were left contemplating the future of South Korea, rife with political division and uncertainty in the wake of this monumental decision.
