South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently suspended from his position due to impeachment proceedings, is scheduled to attend a Constitutional Court hearing on Tuesday, January 21.
The court will conduct its third session at 2 PM local time to evaluate evidence submitted by the National Assembly concerning Yoon’s contentious declaration of martial law on December 3, as reported by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
This appearance will be historic, as it marks the first instance of an impeached South Korean president attending a trial at the Constitutional Court in person.
Potential outcomes of the court proceedings
Yoon, who remains suspended from his official duties with his powers delegated to an acting president, did not participate in the two prior hearings held earlier this month.
The court has until June 11—approximately six months from the case’s receipt on December 14—to determine whether to affirm or dismiss Yoon’s impeachment.
An affirmation of the impeachment would result in Yoon’s removal from office and trigger a snap presidential election within 60 days. Conversely, if the impeachment is dismissed, Yoon would regain his position.
Until the court reaches a decision, Yoon continues to hold the title of head of state.
Last week, Yoon was arrested in a pre-dawn operation, making him the first sitting South Korean president to be detained during a criminal investigation. He faces allegations of insurrection and abuse of power in connection with his unsuccessful martial law declaration.
Yoon placed in solitary confinement
Currently, Yoon is being held in solitary confinement at the Seoul Detention Center, where he is under strict security measures. A personal correctional officer has been assigned to ensure his safety, as stated by Shin Yong-hae, the commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service.
Authorities, including the Presidential Security Service and law enforcement, are taking precautions to prevent any disturbances from Yoon’s supporters, who have expressed concerns about possible attempts to secure his release.
Shin reported that Yoon has adhered to detention protocols, which included having a mug shot taken and undergoing a medical examination. However, Yoon has chosen not to cooperate with inquiries from the Corruption Investigation Unit.
