Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court on Tuesday, as the Constitutional Court considers whether to uphold his impeachment. The hearings mark the latest development in a political crisis sparked by Yoon’s declaration of martial law in December.
Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law was short-lived, as the opposition-led parliament defied the military and voted down the decree. The impeached president was subsequently detained in January on insurrection charges, a first for a sitting South Korean head of state.
At the hearings, Yoon has denied allegations that he instructed military commanders to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament. However, his claims have been disputed by opposition MPs and a former intelligence official, who testified that he received orders to arrest politicians.
The stakes are high for Yoon, who faces a separate criminal trial on insurrection charges. If convicted, he could face imprisonment or the death penalty, as insurrection is not covered by presidential immunity.
The outcome of the hearings will have significant implications for South Korea’s political future. If the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.
