South Korea’s Constitutional Court has begun proceedings to determine the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached by parliament on Saturday over a failed attempt to impose martial law. The trial, which started Monday, could take up to six months. If the impeachment is upheld, fresh elections must be held within two months.
Yoon, currently under a travel ban, is accused of leading an insurrection following his December 3 declaration of martial law. The declaration, which aimed to eliminate anti-state elements, sparked widespread protests and allegations of abuse of power. Yoon has refused to comply with a summons for questioning, prompting prosecutors to issue another.
The impeachment has thrown South Korea into its most significant political crisis in years. Acting President Han Duck-soo is serving as interim leader, maintaining government operations while ordering heightened military vigilance amid rising tensions with North Korea.
Protests have swept the capital, with both supporters and detractors of Yoon demanding justice. Authorities have already arrested military officials linked to the martial law bid, including the heads of the Defence Intelligence Command and Army Special Warfare Command.
North Korea’s state media, KCNA, weighed in on Monday, calling Yoon a ringleader of rebellion and accusing him of shifting blame for the crisis. The statement underscored the tense relations between the Koreas, with the North continuing its missile launches in defiance of UN sanctions.
