South Korea adjourns impeachment trial of President Yoon

The impeachment trial of South Korea’s suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol was adjourned after he failed to appear in court.

The hearing, which began on January 14, 2025, at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, is part of efforts to determine whether Yoon should be removed from office following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December.

Yoon’s legal team stated that his absence was due to ongoing attempts by authorities to arrest him, which have confined him to his villa. They argued that this situation prevents him from attending the trial or presenting his defense.

The court now has 180 days to rule on Yoon’s impeachment. If at least six of the eight justices vote in favor, he will be removed from office. A new hearing date has been set for Thursday, with Yoon’s lawyers indicating that he will decide whether to attend based on further discussions.

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Yoon’s legal representatives also challenged the validity of the arrest warrant against him, emphasizing that he would only comply with a legally executed warrant.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to prepare for a second attempt to detain him, with plans involving up to 1,000 police officers.

The controversy centers around Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which critics argue amounted to an attempted rebellion. Tensions remain high as both sides prepare for the next phase of this unprecedented legal battle.

TRIBUNEONLINE