SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has managed to evade investigators as the Constitutional Court commenced its first meeting on his case. This session aims to determine whether to formally unseat or reinstate him after he was impeached by the National Assembly on December 3, 2024, over his controversial martial law decree.
Yoon, who has been accused of rebellion and abuse of power for his attempted power grab, has yet to respond to requests from the joint investigative team, which includes police, anti-corruption agency officials, and members from the Defense Ministry. The team attempted to convey their requests to Yoon’s office, but those efforts were rebuffed. According to Son Yeong-jo, investigator for the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, staff at Yoon’s office claimed uncertainty over whether passing the request to Yoon was within their duties.
His impeachment has sparked significant public outcry, as hundreds of thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets of Seoul, chanting for Yoon’s resignation and arrest. This turnout indicates growing dissatisfaction with the president's actions and the political climate. Yoon’s martial law enforcement was portrayed as necessary to combat “anti-state forces” from the opposition Democratic Party, marking it as the first such declaration in over four decades.
After Yoon’s decree, the National Assembly unanimously voted to repeal the martial law, forcing him to lift it just hours after implementation. Yoon’s unconstitutional bid at martial law has raised numerous legal and civic questions, leading to wild accusations of rebellion against his presidency.
Many have commented on the potential consequences of Yoon's decisions on South Korea's political and economic frameworks. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, now acting as the country's leader after Yoon's impeachment, has sought to assure both allies and market participants, trying to navigate through the new turbulence initiated by Yoon’s surprise act.
The Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to issue its ruling, is now under intense scrutiny. Analysts note the court may render its decision more quickly than expected, as previous impeachment cases were resolved within around two months. Yoon’s fate now rests with the justices, with six of the nine seats currently filled, which means any decision requires unanimous support from those six.
Kim Hyungdu, a court justice, stated they would approach this case with the intention of being “swiftly and fairly” aligned with justice principles. The court has scheduled its first pretrial hearing for December 27.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has called for quick deliberation on Yoon’s impeachment, emphasizing the need for timely governance at this juncture. Lee is also positioned as the front-runner for the presidency should Yoon be dismissed, following his narrow defeat to Yoon during the 2022 elections.
Meanwhile, the People Power Party, where divides are intensifying over Yoon’s conduct, has faced significant backlash. Han Dong-hun, chair of the party and one of Yoon’s vocal critics, announced his resignation following his disapproval of the martial law imposition, warning about the potential for civil strife due to Yoon's aggressive approach.
“If martial law had not been lifted...a bloody incident could have erupted,” he explained, stressing the dangers inherent to such actions.
Despite the intense pressure, Yoon remains defiant, vowing to resist attempts to oust him, stating, “We will fight to the end.” His willingness to face off against both the opposition and the investigators demonstrates his steadfast approach, yet it raises questions concerning the legitimacy of his leadership amid growing calls for accountability.
Opposition parties assert Yoon’s martial law declaration contradicted constitutional norms, stressing such powers should only be invoked during times of warfare or crises. They have consistently highlighted the legal jeopardy Yoon faces with each refusal to comply with investigative processes, insisting on his obligation to submit to the law like any other citizen.
The Constitutional Court’s decision will hold significant consequences not only for Yoon’s presidency but for South Korea’s future, as its ruling could redefine the balance of power within the government and solidify the public’s trust—or distrust—in the political system.
With tensions high and the situation still fluid, the next months will reveal the extent to which Yoon can maintain his hold on power or if he will be swept up by the rising tide of public discontent.
