South Korea begins impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol

According to a VNA reporter in Seoul, on December 27, the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol will begin with the procedure of preparing arguments and submitting documents.

He was suspended from office on December 14 after the National Assembly approved his impeachment for responsibility related to the declaration of martial law.

Local media reported that as of the morning of December 26, despite the deadline for submitting a defense, President Yoon Suk Yeol had yet to submit the minutes of the Cabinet meeting regarding the martial law decree as well as other evidence as requested by the Constitutional Court. He also had not appointed a legal representative.

On December 26, the Constitutional Court held a meeting of judges to discuss the progress of the trial and the response plan in case the President continues to refuse to submit documents.

According to the Court, the procedure for December 27 is to prepare the defense for the oral argument. This is the first step in organizing the arguments and plans before the formal oral argument. There is no obligation for the parties to appear, so representatives of both sides often appear and present the basic views on the proposed charges as well as the defense plan.

The impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to begin formal debate as early as mid-January 2025.

In 2004, the impeachment trial of former President Roh Moo Hyun held seven public debates without a set date. Although former President Roh did not attend the public debate, a delegation attended and conducted the proceedings.

In 2016, former President Park Geun Hye held three days of preparation and 17 public debates.

Although former President Park did not attend, her legal representative was present and the proceedings proceeded normally.

The court is expected to take a stance if President Yoon Suk Yeol continues to refuse to submit defense documents and related requests./.