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 his role in declaring martial law.

Local media reported that as of the morning of December 26, despite the deadline for submitting defense documents, President Yoon Suk Yeol had yet to submit the minutes of the Cabinet meeting related to the martial law order 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 response plans in case the President continues to refuse to submit documents.

According to the Court, the procedure to be followed on December 27 is to prepare the defense for the debate. This is the first step to organize the arguments and plan before the official debate. There is no obligation for the parties to appear, so representatives of both sides usually appear and state the basic views on the proposed impeachment 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./.