South Korean President Faces Trial Over Failed Martial Law Attempt

President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial reveals military involvement in thwarted bid to block parliamentary vote.

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024, in a move he claimed was to protect constitutional order, sparking political upheaval in South Korea.
Colonel Kim Hyun-tae, commander of the 707th Special Mission Group, testified about orders to block parliament, including cutting electricity and using non-lethal force to prevent a vote against martial law.
The martial law order lasted only six hours as 190 lawmakers successfully voted to overturn it, defying military efforts to block their access to the chamber.
General Kwak Jong-keun, a senior military officer, testified that Yoon directly ordered him to stop lawmakers, contradicting Yoon's denial of such instructions.
Yoon, currently in detention on insurrection charges, awaits the Constitutional Court's decision on whether his impeachment will be upheld, which could lead to a presidential by-election within 60 days.