Yoon was confronting North Korea-sympathizing politicians intent on destroying South Korea's democracy, his supporters say. No, no, liberals maintain: He was trying to deflect attention from corruption investigations of him and his wife. Or maybe he was in the sway of right-wing YouTubers who claim liberals have subverted the election process?

Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office four months after he declared martial law, sending troops into parliament.

The ruling caps months of political turmoil that have overshadowed efforts to deal with the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump at a time of slowing growth.