South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a Seoul court for his first trial hearing on charges of insurrection, marking the country's first criminal prosecution of an incumbent leader. Last month, prosecutors indicted Yoon for allegedly leading an insurrection through his brief imposition of martial law on December 3.
A justice ministry motorcade transported Yoon from the Seoul Detention Center to the court, where tight security measures were in place with lines of police buses. Prosecutors urged swift proceedings due to the seriousness of the case, while Yoon's lawyers requested more time to review records.
Yoon's legal team emphasized that his martial law declaration was not intended to paralyze the country but rather to highlight what they described as the 'legislative dictatorship of the huge opposition party.' If convicted, Yoon could face significant prison time for his martial law decree, which caused political turmoil in South Korea and drew international attention.
Meanwhile, a parallel impeachment trial by the Constitutional Court is ongoing, with witnesses including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who also faces impeachment. Han expressed concern over the political turmoil and emphasized the need for fair and reasonable procedures in handling the emergency martial law situation.
The Constitutional Court is deliberating on parliament's impeachment of Yoon and will determine whether to permanently remove him from office or reinstate him. Yoon and his legal team have maintained that the martial law measures were meant as a warning to address a political deadlock, rather than a full implementation of martial law.
If Yoon is removed from office, a new presidential election will need to be held within 60 days, further shaping the political landscape in South Korea.
