Final hearing of South Korean President Yoon’s impeachment trial opens in his absence

The final hearing of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial opened today in his absence amid keen attention on what the President will say in his last arguments to defend his short-lived imposition of martial law. Mr. Yoon did not arrive on time for the hearing’s opening but was expected to join the proceeding later in the day. The hearing began with an examination of evidence and the presentation of final arguments from the legal teams of both the president and the National Assembly, which is the prosecution in the case.

The President is



expected to use his statement to explain the circumstances that led to his surprise declaration of martial law on December 3 and assert the illegality of his investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and the prosecution.

The National Assembly’s impeachment motion against Mr Yoon accuses him of violating the Constitution and laws by declaring martial law in the absence of a national emergency and ignoring due procedures, such as holding a Cabinet meeting and notifying Parliament.