South Korea's Constitutional Court holds second hearing in Yoon impeachment trial

South Korea's Constitutional Court held its second hearing today in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial over his attempt to impose martial law last month.

South Korea's Constitutional Court held the second hearing for oral arguments in the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces removal from office over his controversial attempt to impose martial law last month. Yoon, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested, was taken to court for his short-lived decree, which has sparked widespread criticism.

The opening session of the impeachment trial was adjourned within minutes due to Yoon's absence, with his lawyers citing safety concerns and a warrant for his arrest on separate charges of insurrection. However, today’s second formal hearing saw the court proceed with adopting evidence and witnesses, rejecting claims from Yoon's defense counsel that the evidence presented was illegal.

The Constitutional Court must decide within 180 days whether to permanently remove Yoon from office or restore his presidential powers. To oust Yoon, at least six of the nine justices must vote in favor of the impeachment.

The next hearings are scheduled for January 21 and 23, as well as February 4, 6, 11, and 13. Notably, two newly appointed justices have filled two of three vacancies on the nine-member bench, adding further complexity to the proceedings.

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