South Korea’s Constitutional Court has commenced trial proceedings to determine the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached after declaring martial law, a move that plunged the nation into political unrest.
Lawmakers voted to impeach Yoon last Saturday, following widespread protests demanding his resignation. The court has six months to decide whether to permanently remove him from office or reinstate him.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has been reeling from the fallout, with its leader, Han Dong-hoon, stepping down on Monday. Han apologized to the public during a televised address, citing the “emergency situation” and growing divisions within the party.
Public hearings in the impeachment trial are expected to last several months, though pressure is mounting on the court to deliver a swift resolution to ease political uncertainty. Protesters have vowed to maintain their calls for Yoon’s removal throughout the proceedings.
This impeachment marks South Korea’s third in history. In previous cases, the court upheld one and reversed another. However, Yoon’s trial faces added challenges, as the court currently has only six of nine justices due to recent retirements.
If impeachment is upheld, South Korea will need to hold a presidential election within 60 days. For now, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo serves as acting president.
It remains unclear if Yoon will testify during the court hearings. He ignored a prosecutor’s summons in Seoul on Sunday and risks arrest if he continues to evade questioning this week.
Yoon has staunchly defended his decision to impose martial law and declared that he will “fight until the end.”
Meanwhile, the PPP has fractured further, with 12 lawmakers supporting impeachment despite the majority opposing it. Following the vote, all five members of the PPP Supreme Council resigned, effectively dissolving the party’s leadership.
Han Dong-hoon, who had initially sought to manage a peaceful exit for Yoon, ultimately endorsed impeachment after the president’s defiant speech. Reflecting on his decision, Han stated, “While it pains me to think of my heartbroken supporters, I don’t regret it.”
