The impeachment trial of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol began on Tuesday at the Constitutional Court, marking a dramatic chapter in the country’s political history. Yoon’s December 3 declaration of martial law, which lasted only six hours, has been widely condemned as unconstitutional and illegal, plunging South Korea into its most severe political crisis in decades.

The trial opened at 2:00 PM but was quickly adjourned after President Yoon failed to appear, citing safety concerns. Despite his absence, the court announced that the hearings would continue, with the next session scheduled for Thursday. Additional hearings are set for January 21, January 23, and February 4.

Key Issues at Stake

The Constitutional Court’s eight judges will decide whether Yoon’s martial law declaration violated the constitution or was illegal. A vote from six of the eight judges in favor of impeachment is required to permanently remove Yoon from office.

The National Assembly’s legal team has pushed for Yoon’s immediate dismissal, arguing there are “overwhelming reasons” for his removal. Meanwhile, Yoon’s defense has urged the court to take the full 180 days allowed by law to evaluate the circumstances that led to the martial law declaration.

This case marks the third time a South Korean president has faced an impeachment trial, following Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 and Park Geun-hye in 2016-2017. Both former leaders also declined to attend their trials.

Criminal Probe and Arrest Efforts

Alongside the impeachment trial, Yoon is under investigation for insurrection by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO). A prior attempt to arrest him failed when his presidential security team blocked investigators’ access to his residence. A second arrest attempt is now being prepared, with authorities reportedly ready to deploy 1,000 investigators.

Yoon’s residence in Seoul has been fortified with barbed wire, bus barricades, and military patrols. However, the defense ministry clarified that the military unit stationed near the presidential residence would focus only on perimeter security and would not intervene in any arrest attempts.

If arrested, Yoon would be the first sitting South Korean president to face such an action. If convicted, he could face severe penalties, including prison or even the death penalty.

National Implications

The impeachment and criminal investigations have further destabilized South Korea’s political landscape. Lawmakers recently impeached Yoon’s stand-in, adding to the uncertainty. Meanwhile, the acting president has urged all parties to negotiate a resolution.

Experts highlight the high stakes for the CIO and South Korea’s justice system. “If the CIO fails to execute a second arrest warrant, it could face a significant crisis regarding its future,” said Lee Jae-mook, a political science professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

The Constitutional Court has until June 12 to deliver its verdict on Yoon’s impeachment, a decision that will have lasting ramifications for South Korea’s democratic institutions and political stability.