Seoul, May 14: South Korea's Constitutional Court reinstated suspended President Roh Moo-Hyun in a historic impeachment verdict today, overturning the opposition-backed parliamentary vote to oust the embattled leader. The ruling, broadcast live on national television, took 30 minutes and covered three main charges against Roh - illegal campaigning, incompetence and economic mismanagement.
Constitutional Court president Yun Young-Chul cleared Roh of the charge of economic mismanagement and the allegation that he was incompetent for failing to rein in corruption among several former aides.
The court found that Roh violated election laws, but that the violation "was not serious or grave enough to justify the unseating of the president," Yun said in ticking off the points.
South Korea entered uncharted territory earlier this spring when Roh became the first president ever impeached by its legislature, just one year into his five-year tenure.
The move humiliated the fledgling leader, rattled markets, agitated neighbouring North Korea and drove tens of thousands of people into the streets to protest against the opposition-backed ouster attempt.
Prime Minister Goh Kun had assumed Roh's executive duties while the constitutional court reviewed the case.
Roh resumes his executive duties immediately.
Bureau Report