Statement by the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea
on the Constitutional Court’s Ruling in the Impeachment Trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol
– All members of society must respect the ruling and move toward social reconciliation –
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Ahn Chang-ho, hereinafter the “Chairperson”) issues the following statement in anticipation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The purpose is to emphasize the importance of preventing the current climate of heightened conflict—intensified since the declaration of martial law on 3 December 2024—from leading to unforeseen human rights violations, and to urge that the Court’s ruling serve as an opportunity for reconciliation and national unity.
Since the declaration of martial law on 3 December 2024, the impeachment proceedings against President Yoon have unfolded amidst a climate of deepening political and social polarization. This escalating division has threatened both the human rights of the people and the democratic order. At a time when collective wisdom is needed to address urgent domestic and international challenges, the growing discord is cause for serious concern.
There have already been alarming incidents, including the forcible entry of demonstrators into the Seoul Western District Court and tragic cases where individuals, expressing opposition to the court’s decisions or the impeachment process, have resorted to extreme actions resulting in loss of life. These are deeply unfortunate and chaotic developments.
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea proclaims that the Republic of Korea is a democratic and law-based nation, and imposes on all citizens the duty to respect each other’s rights and uphold community order. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Korea is a party, affirm that fair trials conducted in accordance with due process are fundamental to safeguarding basic human rights and freedoms. These principles must be upheld by all states.
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea underscores the principles of democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution and international human rights instruments. It affirms that all state institutions and citizens must respect the ruling of the Constitutional Court, scheduled for 4 April. This respect constitutes not only acknowledgment of the decision of the ultimate guardian of constitutional order, but also the starting point for social cohesion.
While the impeachment trial of President Yoon involved conflicting views and arguments, the Commission hopes that the Court’s ruling will mark a turning point—a chance to address the structural causes of conflict and division exposed during this national crisis. It is an opportunity to lay the foundation for building a mature human rights-based society, in which all members enjoy freedom and rights in peaceful coexistence.
In this context, the National Human Rights Commission pledges to play a more proactive role in healing societal rifts and ensuring that the equal rights of all people are protected. Once again, the Commission earnestly calls on all members of Korean society to move beyond confrontation and conflict, and to commit to mutual respect, dialogue, and a spirit of tolerance as we work together to create a more united and inclusive future.
2 April 2025
Ahn Chang-ho
Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of Korea
