South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court on Thursday for the first hearing of his criminal trial on insurrection charges, marking an unprecedented legal case for a sitting South Korean president.
Local TV footage showed justice ministry vehicles transporting Yoon from the Seoul Detention Centre to the court, where tight security measures were in place, including lines of police buses.
According to Reuters, During the hearing, Yoon’s legal team demanded his release from detention, arguing that the insurrection investigation was conducted illegally and asserting there was no risk of him tampering with evidence.
Judges of the Constitutional Court attend the impeachment trial of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/Pool
Prosecutors formally indicted Yoon last month, accusing him of orchestrating an insurrection by imposing martial law on December 3. The controversial decree, which sought to suspend political and parliamentary activities and control media operations, shocked the nation and triggered political turmoil in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
If convicted, Yoon could face years in prison. The fallout from his actions has already led to the impeachment and suspension of the prime minister and the indictment of several top military officials linked to the alleged insurrection.
Prosecutors urged the court to proceed swiftly due to the case’s “gravity.” However, Yoon’s defense requested more time to review case records. One of Yoon’s lawyers stated, “President Yoon had no intention to paralyse the country. The martial law declaration aimed to highlight the legislative dictatorship of the huge opposition party.”
The court scheduled the next hearing for March 24.
South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol attends a hearing of his impeachment trial over his short-lived imposition of martial law, at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, February 13 2025. JEON HEON-KYUN/Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
In parallel, Yoon faces an impeachment trial before the Constitutional Court, which has reached its final phase. The top court will hear witness testimonies, including from Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Reports indicate Yoon will also attend this hearing.
The Constitutional Court is reviewing whether to uphold parliament’s impeachment of Yoon on December 14. The court’s decision will determine whether Yoon is permanently removed from office or reinstated.
If Yoon is ousted, South Korea would need to hold a new presidential election within 60 days.
