Written By Lisa Murimi
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has officially started trial proceedings for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces impeachment after declaring martial law, plunging the country into political chaos.Â
Last Saturday, lawmakers voted to impeach Yoon, following nationwide protests demanding his resignation.
The court has six months to determine whether to remove Yoon or reinstate him, a decision that could significantly impact the nation’s political stability.
While public hearings may stretch on for months, mounting pressure from the public and political parties urges a swift resolution.
President Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) faces a leadership crisis, with party chief Han Dong-hoon resigning Monday amid internal divisions.
Han apologized to the public, acknowledging the turmoil his party’s leadership had caused.
If the court upholds the impeachment, fresh presidential elections must occur within 60 days, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo serving as interim president.
Questions arose about the trial’s feasibility since three of the court’s nine justices have yet to be replaced.
However, the court confirmed it could proceed with six judges, scheduling a preliminary hearing for December 27.
President Yoon, who refused a prosecutor’s summons, remains defiant, vowing to fight the charges.
Protesters continue their calls for his removal, while political uncertainty grips the nation.
