South Korean Constitutional Court Begins President Yoon’s Impeachment Trial Amid Political Turmoil
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has officially commenced impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached by parliament on Saturday over a controversial martial law declaration. The trial, which began on Monday, is expected to last up to six months. Should the court uphold the impeachment, the country will be required to hold fresh presidential elections within two months.
President Yoon faces allegations of insurrection following his December 3 declaration of martial law, purportedly aimed at eliminating “anti-state elements.” The move triggered mass protests and accusations of abuse of power. Refusing to comply with a summons for questioning, Yoon has been placed under a travel ban, with prosecutors issuing a renewed demand for his cooperation.
The impeachment marks South Korea’s most significant political crisis in recent years. Acting President Han Duck-soo has assumed interim leadership, ensuring continuity of government operations while ordering heightened military readiness amid escalating tensions with North Korea.
Protests have engulfed the capital, Seoul, with demonstrators divided between supporters and opponents of Yoon. Authorities have already detained several military officials allegedly involved in the martial law plan, including the leaders of the Defence Intelligence Command and Army Special Warfare Command.
North Korea, through its state media outlet KCNA, has labeled Yoon a “ringleader of rebellion,” accusing him of deflecting responsibility for the crisis. The North’s ongoing missile launches in defiance of UN sanctions have further strained the already volatile inter-Korean relations.
As the trial unfolds, South Korea remains on edge, grappling with the dual challenges of political instability and regional security threats.
