Impeachment trial of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol begins, president fails to appear

The impeachment trial of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol began today, but the president was absent from the Constitutional Court.

The impeachment trial of South Korea’s suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol commenced today with a brief session, as Yoon failed to appear at the Constitutional Court. The trial follows Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly over his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024.

Yoon’s absence from the trial has raised concerns, with his lawyer explaining that the president’s inability to attend was due to authorities attempting to detain him, preventing him from presenting his case. "The president will decide whether to attend the court in person on Thursday after discussions on his defense strategy," said Yoon's lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, outside the court.

The next trial session is scheduled for Thursday, January 16. Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae has stated that if President Yoon does not attend, his legal team will represent him in court.

Yoon’s impeachment came after his controversial declaration of martial law, which the National Assembly deemed unconstitutional. The proceedings mark a significant moment in South Korean politics as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the decision and its implications for the future of the presidency.

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