South Korea's President Faces Impeachment Trial Over Martial Law Declaration

Yoon Suk Yeol defends his controversial actions in court, blaming the opposition for undermining his government.

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, suspending civilian rule and deploying soldiers to parliament, citing opposition 'insurrection.'
The martial law declaration was overturned within six hours as the opposition-led parliament voted it down and subsequently impeached Yoon.
Yoon, detained in January on insurrection charges, is the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested and faces potential imprisonment or the death penalty.
In court, Yoon argued that the opposition's refusal to engage with him, including skipping his speeches and avoiding handshakes, was 'malicious' and aimed at destabilizing his government.
The Constitutional Court is expected to soon decide whether to uphold Yoon's impeachment, which could lead to a new presidential election within 60 days.