The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) has welcomed the South Korean constitutional court’s decision to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon Sukyeol, following his attempt to declare martial law last year.

A statement signed by NCCK general secretary, the Rev Kim Jong Seng, said it was a ‘historic and courageous judgment, which reaffirms the integrity of our constitutional democracy and restores the principles of justice and the rule of law’.

It continued: “We understand this ruling as a solemn moral and legal reckoning against the abuse of power and a significant step towards safeguarding the democratic order. We offer our deep respects to the Constitutional Court justices, who have borne the weight of this profound responsibility and arrived at their decision through careful deliberation grounded in justice, conscience, and the common good…

“As we move forward, the Republic of Korea must now turn from division toward healing, from political strife toward reconciliation. We urge political leaders – both in government and the opposition – to act with integrity and responsibility in the service of democracy and rebuilding of public trust.”