Suspended Yoon to skip impeachment trial opening

• South Korea’s suspended president will not attend the opening of his impeachment trial
• His lawyers say this is due to security concerns, though Yoon has not co-operated with authorities so far
• He is being investigated for insurrection charges after declaring martial law

Suspended Yoon to skip impeachment trial opening

South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, will not attend the opening of his impeachment trial on Tuesday due to security concerns, his legal team announced Sunday.

Yoon has been confined to the presidential residence under elite guard since his suspension following an impeachment vote over his controversial and short-lived martial law declaration.

The Constitutional Court has scheduled five trial dates between January 14 and February 4, which can proceed in Yoon’s absence.

Yoon has so far refused to cooperate with prosecutors and investigators, who are also probing insurrection charges against him.

Last month, his presidential guard prevented an arrest attempt after a tense standoff.

If convicted of leading an insurrection, Yoon could face severe penalties, including imprisonment or the death penalty. The court’s decision will determine whether his impeachment is upheld or if he is reinstated as president.