South Korean Constitutional Court Begins Hearings on Yoon Suk Yeol’s Impeachment

 

South Korea’s Constitutional Court commenced hearings on Friday to deliberate the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial imposition of martial law earlier this month. The court has a 180-day deadline to determine whether Yoon will be reinstated or permanently removed from office. Should the court uphold the impeachment, a presidential election must be held within 60 days.

Yoon’s legal defense will be represented by two prominent lawyers—one a former prosecutor and the other a former spokesperson for the Constitutional Court. According to Seok Dong-hyeon, a lawyer advising Yoon, the president himself is not required to attend the hearings.

The president’s unexpected martial law decree and the ensuing political upheaval have shocked the nation and disrupted financial markets. Key allies, including the United States and European nations, have expressed concerns over the crisis, given Yoon’s role as a key partner in global efforts to counter the influence of China, Russia, and North Korea.

The controversy surrounding Yoon has deepened tensions between his administration and the opposition Democratic Party, which has vowed to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo. This move follows Han’s refusal to immediately appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court, citing the need for bipartisan agreement.

Parliament is set to meet on Friday afternoon, with the Democratic Party planning to introduce a motion to impeach Han. The opposition has also clashed with the Yoon-appointed prime minister over judicial appointments and proposals for special prosecutors to investigate the president’s actions.

In a separate criminal investigation, Yoon has faced criticism, including from within his own party, for defying court orders. He has refused to submit requested documents and ignored summons from investigators probing the martial law declaration made on December 3.

The unfolding legal and political drama has raised questions about South Korea’s leadership stability and the broader implications for its international relationships. The Constitutional Court’s decision will have significant ramifications for the nation’s political trajectory.