The Constitutional Court’s unanimous decision to remove former President Yoon Suk-yeol from office reaffirmed that ultimate authority and responsibility for national security and defense policy rests with elected civilian leaders, not the military, setting a clear legal precedent against presidential overreach.

The April 4 ruling not only clarified the limits of executive power but also sent a powerful message about the fundamental principles guiding South Korea’s constitutional order. The decision reflects a broader commitment to uphold constitutional norms amid political crises, reinforcing the rule of law as the foundation of democratic governance.