President Yoon Attends Impeachment Hearing Amid Martial Law Allegations

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared at the Constitutional Court on Tuesday to defend himself in his impeachment trial. Detained since last week, Yoon faces allegations of leading an insurrection after attempting to impose martial law in December, which was swiftly overturned by parliament.

Dressed in a navy suit and burgundy tie, Yoon pledged to uphold democratic principles and answer the court’s questions. His legal team denied accusations of masterminding an insurrection, a crime punishable by life imprisonment or death. They argued that the impeachment, passed by opposition parties and some members of Yoon’s People Power Party, was a politically motivated attack rather than a constitutional safeguard.

The court began the trial on December 27 to review the impeachment motion, which accused Yoon of violating his constitutional duties. Judges will decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. Meanwhile, Yoon’s legal team sought to justify his martial law declaration and requested a list of witnesses.

Yoon's attendance at the hearing contrasts with his refusal to cooperate with criminal investigations, where he declined to answer summons or attend interrogations. Security was heightened around the court as Yoon supporters protested his detention, with dozens of police buses deployed to maintain order.

Yoon was transported from the Seoul Detention Centre under heavy security. His impeachment trial, a high-stakes moment for South Korea, has drawn intense public scrutiny and could have significant implications for the nation’s political future.

This ongoing legal battle highlights the deep political divide in South Korea, raising questions about the limits of presidential power and democratic accountability.