South Korea’s President Yoon Faces Impeachment Trial Over Martial Law Bid

Yoon Suk Yeol, impeached and detained, denies ordering military action against lawmakers during his controversial December 3 martial law declaration.

Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s first sitting president to be detained, appeared in court to defend his short-lived martial law declaration, which was overturned by parliament within hours.
The impeachment trial centers on allegations that Yoon ordered military forces to prevent lawmakers from voting, a claim he denies, despite contradictory testimony from a senior military official.
The December 3 martial law decree was justified by Yoon as a response to alleged opposition misconduct, though critics view it as an attempt to consolidate power amid political scandals and legislative gridlock.
The impeachment has deepened political divisions in South Korea, with violent protests erupting from Yoon's supporters, leaving police injured and dozens arrested.
The Constitutional Court has until June to decide whether to permanently remove Yoon from office, which would trigger a snap presidential election within 60 days.