South Korea’s suspended President, Yoon Suk Yeol, attended his impeachment trial for the first time on Tuesday, rejecting allegations that he directed the military to forcibly expel lawmakers from parliament during his brief push for martial law. Yoon, who had been absent from the first two hearings, addressed the Constitutional Court as it continues to deliberate on whether he should be permanently removed from office.
Yoon, currently facing detention and a separate criminal investigation into possible insurrection charges, defended his actions, asserting that he had always served with a strong commitment to democracy. His appearance comes amid heightened security, with around 4,000 supporters gathering outside the court as the trial continues.
Security measures were intensified on Tuesday as South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was transferred from the detention center to the Constitutional Court for his impeachment proceedings. Police set up anti-riot barricades and stationed officers in formation to prevent potential clashes with hundreds of Yoon’s supporters, who had assembled nearby to call for his release. The situation remained tense following weekend protests that turned violent, with Yoon’s supporters storming a courthouse and confronting authorities.
During the hearing, Yoon faced questions about claims that he instructed military commanders to forcibly expel lawmakers from parliament during his short-lived attempt to enforce martial law on December 3. He firmly denied the allegations, responding with a clear “No” when asked. Earlier, military commanders had testified that Yoon gave the directive after lawmakers bypassed barricades to hold an emergency session, ultimately rejecting his martial law declaration.
Yoon’s lawyers defended the martial law decree, describing it as a symbolic move to highlight the opposition’s actions destabilizing the country’s constitutional order. They argued that the decree was not meant to be implemented and claimed it was impossible due to conflicts with higher laws. They also dismissed testimony from military officials accusing Yoon of orchestrating the arrests of parliamentarians.
The opposition Democratic Party, smaller parties and dissenting members of Yoon’s own People Power Party spearheaded the impeachment process after the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly on December 14 to oust him.
The impeachment and Yoon’s arrest last week under charges of insurrection and abuse of power are historic moments in South Korean politics. Yoon’s declaration of martial law, initially justified by alleged North Korean threats, was widely criticized as a politically motivated move to consolidate power amidst domestic challenges.
Former Defense Minister Kim Hyun, who is said to have suggested that Yoon be subject to martial law, is scheduled to testify at the next hearing on Thursday. The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to rule on the impeachment. If six of the eight justices vote in favor, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, and a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.
The political turmoil has plunged South Korea into a state of uncertainty, with protests and rallies by Yoon’s supporters and critics continuing despite freezing winter conditions. The ongoing crisis has also affected the country’s economy, leading to a decline in the won and warnings from global credit rating agencies about deteriorating consumer and business confidence.
