ALBAWABA- South Korea’s Constitutional Court began hearings Monday on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month.
The court, composed of six judges, will decide within six months whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him after the impeachment was approved by the opposition-controlled parliament on Saturday.
Judge Kim Hyung-doo stated the court would review judicial procedures and outline the next steps in the unprecedented case.
On December 3, 2024, President Yoon shocked the nation by declaring martial law in a late-night televised address, citing the need to counter “pro-North Korean anti-state forces” and protect South Korea’s constitutional order.
He accused the opposition Democratic Party (DP), which holds a parliamentary majority, of hijacking the legislative process and creating a national crisis. “I declare martial law to safeguard the Republic of Korea from communist forces and preserve constitutional stability,” Yoon stated, though he cited no evidence of direct threats from North Korea.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung condemned the declaration as authoritarian overreach, warning of dire economic consequences and calling on citizens to protest at the National Assembly. “Tanks, armed vehicles, and soldiers will rule the country,” Lee cautioned in a live-streamed address.
The declaration also followed heated disputes over budget cuts and attempts to impeach key prosecutors, which Yoon argued were undermining governance.
Yonhap News reported a heavy military presence near the parliament building, though specific measures under martial law were not disclosed.
The announcement has sparked outrage domestically and drawn sharp international scrutiny, with financial markets reacting swiftly—sending the Korean won plummeting against the US dollar.
