The Constitutional Court of South Korea commenced the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unsuccessful martial law attempt, but quickly suspended the initial hearing as the suspended leader failed to appear.
President Yoon’s power grab on December 3 led to South Korea experiencing its most severe political crisis in decades, as he ordered soldiers to infiltrate parliament in a failed effort to prevent lawmakers from voting against his suspension of civilian governance.
He was promptly impeached and suspended from his duties, yet has remained secluded in his residence, ignoring summonses from investigators looking into insurrection allegations while employing his presidential security team to thwart arrest attempts.
The first of five hearings commenced at 2 PM (5 AM Irish time) but was adjourned within minutes due to Mr. Yoon’s absence, as reported by the court’s spokesperson.
Further hearings have already been slated for January 21 and 23, as well as February 4.
The court’s eight justices will focus on two primary questions: whether Mr. Yoon’s martial law declaration was unconstitutional, and whether it was illegal—any of which could serve as a basis for upholding his impeachment.
A minimum of six out of the eight judges must endorse Mr. Yoon’s impeachment for him to be removed from office.
Supporters wave flags displaying their ongoing support for the impeached leader.
The legal team from the National Assembly informed reporters gathered outside the court prior to the trial that there are “overwhelming reasons for the immediate dismissal” of Mr. Yoon.
The court has until 180 days from December 14, when it received the case, to reach a verdict.
Former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye did not attend their impeachment trials in 2004 and 2016-2017, respectively.
Mr. Yoon’s legal team has argued that the court should utilize the entire 180-day period—specifically to investigate the circumstances surrounding the martial law declaration.
The attempt to impose military rule in South Korea for the first time in over 40 years lasted merely six hours.
“This impeachment case focuses solely on the martial law situation,” lawyer Kim Nam-ju conveyed to AFP.
“Given that most individuals involved have already been indicted and the facts are largely established, it doesn’t appear that the process will take too long.”
Last month, South Korean politicians also impeached Mr. Yoon’s temporary replacement, further contributing to the nation’s political instability. The current acting president seems hesitant to intervene in the impasse, instead calling for all parties to reach a negotiated solution.
A protestor against Yoon Suk Yeol stands near the presidential residence holding a placard.
Arrest Attempt
In a concurrent criminal investigation, a collaborative team from the Corruption Investigation Office—currently examining Mr. Yoon for insurrection—and police are formulating a new plan to apprehend the president.
An earlier attempt was thwarted when Mr. Yoon’s presidential guards obstructed investigators’ access, while opposing groups of demonstrators rallied outside his residence.
Mr. Yoon’s Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk stated that his office is “prepared to contemplate all investigative or visitation options” concerning the sitting leader “at a third location.”
If the new arrest warrant is successfully executed, Mr. Yoon would make history as the first sitting South Korean president to be apprehended.
In the event he is eventually convicted in this case, Mr. Yoon faces potential imprisonment or even the death penalty.
A CIO representative informed journalists that they are “continuing preparations” for a second arrest attempt.
Police are reportedly assembling a force of 1,000 investigators for this renewed effort.
Mr. Yoon’s security detail has fortified his Seoul residence with barbed wire and bus barricades, while a military unit provides patrolling outside.
However, the defense ministry stated that the military unit would “solely concentrate on its primary mission of perimeter security around the official (presidential) residence and will not be mobilized in the execution of the warrant.”
Experts suggest that a successful arrest attempt is crucial for both investigators and the broader South Korean society.
“If the CIO fails in executing a second arrest warrant, it could encounter a significant crisis concerning its future,” said Lee Jae-mook, a political science professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.
“If this situation persists, we may see an uptick in social unrest.”
