South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol found himself in the midst of legal battles as he contested his arrest on rebellion charges and fought against efforts to remove him from office. The charges stem from his brief imposition of martial law in December, which has led to a series of court proceedings and political turmoil in Seoul.
President Yoon appeared in two different courts on Thursday, one for criminal charges and the other for impeachment proceedings. The Seoul Central District Court held a preliminary hearing to discuss witnesses and evidence for his criminal trial. Yoon's lawyers requested the cancellation of his arrest, a move that is rarely successful. The court is expected to make a decision on this matter soon.
Yoon also faced the Constitutional Court, which is considering his impeachment and potential removal from office. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo appeared as a witness, supporting Yoon's claims while also highlighting potential constitutional violations related to the imposition of martial law. Former first deputy director of South Korea's spy agency, Hong Jang-won, testified that Yoon had ordered the detention of key politicians, a claim vehemently denied by the President.
Yoon was indicted on rebellion charges, which could result in severe penalties. Despite claiming immunity from most criminal prosecutions, presidents in South Korea can be prosecuted for charges of rebellion or treason. Yoon's imposition of martial law has been deemed illegal, leading to his impeachment and suspension of presidential powers.
The aftermath of Yoon's actions has caused political unrest, disrupted diplomacy, and tested the country's democracy. His supporters have protested his arrest, while questions have been raised about the credibility of the legal institutions handling the case. Yoon continues to express disdain for his political rivals and has endorsed unfounded conspiracy theories to justify his actions.
Several of Yoon's top officials have also been arrested and indicted on charges related to the martial law decree, further complicating the political landscape in South Korea.
