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.
Read next
09:57
South Korea
Six people have died in a fire at a resort construction site in Busan, South Korea, with around 100 individuals evacuated and seven injured. Authorities fear more casualties, while Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered all available resources to contain the blaze.
12:35
North Korea's defense ministry condemned on Tuesday the recent arrival of a U.S. submarine in South Korea, stating that its military forces are prepared to take any necessary action. "We will not back down an inch from our confrontation with this tyrannical enemy," ministry stated.
20:13
Protests intensify in Seoul as South Koreans rally for and against President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, ahead of crucial final hea rings to decide his political future.
14:29
South Korea
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared at the Constitutional Court on Thursday for the sixth hearing in his impeachment case. The court will decide whether to permanently remove him from office or reinstate him.
01:51
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his decision to impose martial law in December, as a top military commander testified in court on Tuesday. The Constitutional Court is reviewing Yoon’s impeachment, which could permanently remove him from office.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment