South Korea's president Yoon impeached; successor faces healing task

South Korea's Constitutional Court impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday over his December declaration of martial law. The court stated Yoon's actions were a serious challenge to democracy and a betrayal of public trust, leading to the country's worst political crisis in decades. The ruling triggers a 60-day period to elect a new president. Acting president Han Duck-soo will confirm the election date within 10 days. Political parties are now working to choose their candidates, with the Democratic party's Lee Jae-myung currently leading in polls. Yoon's removal marks the end of a tumultuous period. He now faces a separate criminal trial on charges of insurrection. The next president will face the challenge of healing divisions and restoring faith in democratic institutions.