The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) has issued the following statement on the Constitutional Court of Korea’s decision to uphold the impeachment.
In the statement, the NCCK welcomed the historic and courageous judgment, which reaffirms the integrity of Korea’s constitutional democracy and restores the principles of justice and the rule of law.
The NCCK pledged: “We will continue to serve as watchpersons for democracy, walking alongside the people of Korea and the global ecumenical community in our common witness for the fullness of life for all.”
The full statement is as follows:
Statement of the National Council of Churches in Korea(NCCK) on the Constitutional Court’s Impeachment Ruling against President Yoon Suk-yeol
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Korea has rendered a unanimous ruling to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. With this decision, the President has been removed from office. The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) welcomes this historic and courageous judgment, which reaffirms the integrity of our constitutional democracy and restores the principles of justice and the rule of law.
We understand this ruling as a solemn moral and legal reckoning against the abuse of power and a significant step toward safeguarding the democratic order. We offer our deep respect 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.
In recent months, our nation has endured heightened polarization and social unrest. The process of impeachment has not been without conflict or pain. Yet, through constitutional and lawful means, the people of Korea have held those in power accountable for an attempted illegal imposition of emergency rule. This moment is a testament to the resilience of democratic institutions and the vigilant spirit of the Korean people. Regardless of differing opinions, we call upon all to receive the Court’s decision with humility and civic maturity.
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 the rebuilding of public trust. We appeal to public officials to respond with wisdom and compassion to the concerns and suffering of the people, and to guide the nation through this time of transition with clarity and accountability.
We also call upon all citizens of goodwill to come together in solidarity, drawing upon our shared hope for a more just, participatory, and peaceful society. The NCCK, following the light of Christ that shines in the darkness, remains steadfast in its ecumenical commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation. We will continue to serve as watchpersons for democracy, walking alongside the people of Korea and the global ecumenical community in our common witness for the fullness of life for all.
April 4, 2025
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK)
Rev. Kim Jong Seng