Politics South Korea's Constitutional Court begins trial against Yoon
Amid the deepening state crisis in South Korea, the Constitutional Court has begun impeachment proceedings against suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. During the first hearing scheduled for today, both Yoon Suk Yeol's legal representatives and those of the National Assembly will be able to present their respective arguments, call witnesses and present evidence.
27.12.2024, 07:17
SDA
Over the coming weeks and possibly months, the Constitutional Court will then examine in a final trial whether Yoon's impeachment, which was previously decided by the South Korean National Assembly, was unconstitutional or in accordance with the constitution.
If the judges confirm the impeachment, new elections would have to be called within 60 days at the latest. However, if the Constitutional Court were to overturn the impeachment, Yoon Suk Yeol would return to the presidency. At least six judges must confirm the impeachment. As only six of the nine judges on the Constitutional Court are currently appointed, one veto vote would be enough to declare the impeachment invalid.
Yoon unexpectedly imposed martial law at the beginning of December and lifted it hours later after massive resistance. The opposition then submitted an impeachment motion to the National Assembly, which, after a failed first attempt, finally achieved the required two-thirds majority among MPs on December 14.
Interim President Han Duck Soo also faces impeachment
Since then, Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has taken over as interim president. However, he is also threatened with impeachment. This will be voted on in parliament today, Friday, after the opposition submitted a motion to this effect. Han, who refuses to fill the three currently vacant judgeships at the Constitutional Court, is accused by the opposition parties of effectively complicating the impeachment process against Yoon Suk Yeol.
Yoon recently defended his controversial decision on the grounds that he had declared martial law to protect the nation. His political opponents were "anti-state forces" that were paralyzing government work and disrupting the country's constitutional order.
