SEOUL, South Korea — The Constitutional Court's deliberation on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol is entering its sixteenth day as it continues discussions on five central allegations against him. This marks the longest deliberation period recorded following the conclusion of deliberations, according to reports by local media.
On February 25, 2025, the Constitutional Court concluded the initial arguments of the impeachment trial but has faced criticism for the extended time taken for final deliberation, with experts highlighting the complexity of the case. The five key issues under investigation include the unconstitutionality of Yoon's declaration of martial law, the issuance of Garrison Decree No. 1, and allegations of obstruction of National Assembly activities by mobilizing military forces.
“The deliberation period is the longest after the conclusion of deliberation compared to the previous five presidential impeachment trials,” reported by The Korea Herald. Legal experts express increasing concerns over whether Yoon's decisions during his presidency, such as his response to opposition party budget cuts, constitute legal breaches significant enough to warrant impeachment.
President Yoon defended his actions by stating he classified the cuts to national defense as “a serious situation,” justifying the need for military mobilization. He claims his actions were necessary for national security and electoral integrity, particularly referencing the involvement of military personnel during the inspections of the National Election Management Committee, which he viewed as necessary to investigate allegations of election fraud.
Despite Yoon’s assertions, the National Assembly and various legal experts argued convincingly against the necessity of such measures, stating there was no legitimate reason to declare martial law under the circumstances of political contention such as financial debates. “There simply was no ‘wartime, incident, or similar condition,’” refuted members of the National Assembly during the impeachment hearings.
Complicators of this situation also included testimonies from former Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, who described Yoon’s cabinet meetings as lacking proper procedure, refuting claims of normalcy during those periods, which added weight to the argument against Yoon’s administration.
Reports indicate potential announcement dates for the verdict on Yoon's impeachment have been set tentatively for March 17 or 21. With daily deliberations scheduled and pressure mounting, the Constitutional Court is under scrutiny to reach its decision soon and stabilize the current political climate.
The Jongno-gu Office has implemented enhanced security measures around the court to manage crowd control and anticipated public response to the impeachment ruling. Emergency medical setups will be established, anticipating protests from citizens either supporting or opposing Yoon's presidency, due to heightened sentiments surrounding the impeachment trial.
Local authorities have advised merchants around the courthouse to take safety precautions like removing signage on the day of the verdict. A representative stated, “We are preparing response measures for any situations occurring on the day of the announcement,” highlighting the seriousness with which the local government is treating potential unrest.
Political tensions remain high as various factions rally support. Protests are underway both for and against the president, with supporters accusing the opposition of politically motivated actions and detractors demanding accountability from Yoon’s administration.
Experts such as Lee Hwang-hee, from Sungkyunkwan University Law School, have weighed in on the strong likelihood of impeachment. “The Constitutional Court is expected to pass the impeachment due to several violations of the constitution,” he stated, indicating the severity of the perceived legal breaches by Yoon.
The preparations and reactions leading up to the announcement continue to shape the public narrative and political climate, underscoring the significance of the impending ruling. Depending on the verdict, which could stabilize or exacerbate existing tensions, the impact on South Korea’s political future looms large as all eyes remain on the Constitutional Court.
With the stakes high for both Yoon Seok-yeol and the nation as a whole, South Korean citizens and political analysts alike await the Constitutional Court’s decision, which may not only impact Yoon's presidency but also set precedents for governance and accountability moving forward.