(Reuters): South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared on Tuesday at a Constitutional Court hearing for his impeachment trial. This session offered him the opportunity to present his case and address questions regarding his brief and controversial attempt to impose martial law.
At the preliminary proceedings, Yoon was asked to speak by acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae. In response, he stated that he had held public office with "a firm commitment to free democracy." Yoon became president in 2022 after working as a prosecutor. Wearing a burgundy tie and blue suit, he swore to answer whatever questions the court might ask.
Yoon has been in custody since last week, facing a separate criminal investigation into allegations that he led an insurrection by attempting to enforce martial law in early December. The attempt was reversed within hours by the parliament, shocking the nation.
Before the hearing, Yoon’s legal team issued a statement outlining his intent to explain his rationale for declaring martial law on December 3. They also indicated plans to submit a list of witnesses he wished to have called.
The motion accuses Yoon of violating his constitutional duties, and the Constitutional Court began the impeachment trial on December 27 to consider it. The court will decide whether to reinstate him or remove him from office permanently.
A court official said that during the trial, judges of the Constitutional Court might interview Yoon. In contrast to his opposition to criminal investigations, during which he has declined to answer summonses and appear during interrogations, he attended the impeachment hearing.
Yoon's defense team has refuted claims that he planned an uprising, which is a criminal in South Korea that carries a life sentence or potentially the death penalty. They contend that opposing parties took advantage of their legislative majority to engineer his impeachment for political reasons.
In initial oral arguments, Yoon’s lawyers argued the impeachment was a partisan attack by opposition groups rather than a move to protect constitutional order. They insisted the charges were unfounded and politically driven.
The main opposition Democratic Party, alongside minority parties and 12 members of Yoon’s own People Power Party, secured a two-thirds majority vote to impeach him on December 14. The vote was a dramatic escalation of the political conflict.
Security measures around the Constitutional Court in Seoul were intensified following protests by Yoon’s supporters. Over the weekend, a group of them caused chaos at a district court that had approved an extension of Yoon’s detention.
Numerous police busses were parked along the roadway to regulate access to the area, greatly increasing the police presence close to the court. The purpose of the heightened security was to stop more disturbances during the well-publicized session.
Under strict security, Yoon was brought to the court from the Seoul Detention Center. The Presidential Security Service vehicles in his convoy underscored the seriousness of the issue.
The Constitutional Court's ruling during the trial will have a significant impact on South Korea's political climate since it will decide whether Yoon will be removed from office permanently or stay in office.
