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2mo ago

So

President Yoon Suk Yeol faces potential removal over contentious martial law declaration, with a decision expected in mid-March.

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South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol attends the hearing of his impeachment trial over his short-lived imposition of martial law, at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, February 20, 2025. SONG KYUNG-SEOK/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
South Korean police officers guard the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Thursday.
Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea's president, attends a hearing at the Constitutional Court of Korea in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. Yoon made his first appearance at his impeachment trial on Tuesday, with security ramped up following the Capitol Hill-like rioting during his appearance at another court at the weekend. Photographer: Woohae Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Overview

  • The Constitutional Court has concluded hearings on President Yoon's impeachment, with eight justices set to deliberate in private.
  • The trial centers on whether Yoon violated the constitution by declaring martial law in December without sufficient justification.
  • Yoon, who has also been charged with insurrection, is the first sitting South Korean president to face a criminal trial while in office.
  • If removed, South Korea must hold a new presidential election within 60 days, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung currently leading in polls.
  • Public opinion remains divided, with recent surveys showing majority support for Yoon's formal removal from office.