South Korea’s Constitutional Court began its review Monday of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment over his controversial Dec. 3 martial law attempt. The court’s decision will determine whether Yoon will be removed from office, while investigators are set to question him this week.
The court, which has up to six months to deliberate, will hold its first public hearing on Dec. 27 to address key legal issues and establish a timeline for the case, spokesperson Lee Jean announced. Yoon is not required to attend the preparatory hearing.
The impeachment, passed by the opposition-controlled parliament on Saturday, saw at least 12 members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party vote in favor, plunging the party into turmoil. Its leader, Han Dong-hoon, announced his resignation Monday, deepening the crisis.
Yoon and senior officials face potential insurrection charges related to the brief martial law, which shocked financial markets and alarmed international allies. A joint investigative team is set to question Yoon on Wednesday, though earlier attempts to serve a summons at his office and residence were rebuffed by presidential security.
The acting president, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, is working to stabilize the government and reassure international partners. In one of his first actions, Han held a call with U.S. President Joe Biden, reaffirming South Korea’s commitment to the U.S. alliance and a strong stance on North Korea.
Financial authorities have pledged around-the-clock monitoring to maintain market stability, which appears to have soothed investor concerns. The KOSPI index rose for a fifth consecutive session, trading at its highest levels in two weeks.
Yoon’s impeachment echoes South Korea’s 2017 political crisis when the Constitutional Court removed President Park Geun-hye within three months of her impeachment for abuse of power.
The unfolding events have left South Korea’s political landscape uncertain, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung voicing support for renewed U.S.-led dialogue with North Korea. Meanwhile, the nomination of Richard Grenell for North Korea special envoy under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has fueled speculation about shifts in regional diplomacy.
Yoon’s legal team is still being finalized, and he has so far declined to participate in investigations, citing preparations for his defense.
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