- South Korea’s constitutional court starts President Yoon’s impeachment trial
- Parliament impeached Yoon last Saturday
- The court has six months to decide Yoon’s fate
- Protesters continue to demand his removal, while Yoon vows to fight the charges
South Korea’s constitutional court starts President Yoon’s impeachment trial
South Korea’s constitutional court has begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended after declaring martial law and triggering nationwide chaos. Parliament impeached Yoon last Saturday, leaving Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as acting president during the trial.
The court has six months to decide Yoon’s fate but is under pressure to act swiftly to ease political unrest. Protesters continue to demand his removal, while Yoon vows to fight the charges.
The trial faces challenges as only six of the court’s nine justices are currently seated. However, the court ruled it could proceed and scheduled a preliminary hearing for December 27.
If impeachment is upheld, South Korea must hold new presidential elections within 60 days. Meanwhile, Yoon has ignored a summons for questioning, raising the possibility of police intervention.
Other sources
- What’s at stake in South Korea’s impeachment trial of Yoon Suk-yeol
- Top South Korean court begins Yoon impeachment trial
- South Korea’s Constitutional Court begins meeting on President Yoon’s impeachment