South Korea's Constitutional Court is set to rule on the fate of impeached conservative President Yoon Seok-yeol.
An expected decision on Friday will determine his political future, but it does not mean the protests that erupted after his brief imposition of martial law will end.
In recent months, millions of South Koreans have taken to the streets to express support or protest against Mr. Yoon's actions.
Political opponents shaved their heads, went on hunger strike and filed numerous lawsuits against each other.
Regardless of the verdict, internal divisions are only likely to worsen.
This will complicate South Korea's efforts to counter US President Donald Trump's “America First” foreign policy platform and North Korea's growing military cooperation with Russia.
“No matter what the Constitutional Court decides, it will be difficult to get both sides to agree,” said Hong Seong-gul, a professor of public administration at Kookmin University in Seoul.
“There is a high probability that this will lead to even more chaos.”
Here's what to expect from the court's upcoming ruling on the Dec. 3 martial law decree that has become a test for South Korea's democracy.
– What are the possible actions of the court?
Mr Yun's political fate has been in the hands of the Constitutional Court since his impeachment was announced on Dec. 14 by the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly.
If the court rules against Mr. Yun, he will be formally removed from office and a national election will be held within two months to appoint his successor.
If the court upholds Mr. Yun, he will immediately return to his presidential duties.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
