Ruling on Yoon's Impeachment to Be Delivered on April 4

Wait Time of Over a Month Has Fueled Bitter Clash Between Ruling Party and Opposition

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SEOUL - The Constitutional Court of Korea, which is reviewing President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, will announce its decision on whether to remove him from office permanently or reinstate him on April 4, the court said in a statement on April 1.

The court said that the ruling will be delivered at 11 a.m. local time, and live broadcast of the session will be permitted.

Mr. Yoon was impeached by Parliament on Dec. 14 after being accused of violating his constitutional duty by declaring martial law in early December with no justifiable grounds.

The suspended leader has said that he never intended to fully impose military rule, but instead meant to sound the alarm over the opposition Democratic Party's abuse of its parliamentary majority, which he argued was threatening to destroy the country.

In his final statement before the court ended arguments, Mr. Yoon also said that his decision to declare martial law was an appeal to the people to overcome "anti-state forces," pro-North Korea sympathizers and opposition gridlock.