South Korea’s Constitutional Court opened the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, following his controversial attempt to impose martial law and a failed military intervention in December 2024.
However, the first hearing was quickly adjourned as the embattled president did not attend.
Recall that President Yoon’s actions sparked a political crisis described as the worst in South Korea’s recent history. As you would recall, on December 3, he reportedly ordered soldiers to storm parliament in an effort to halt lawmakers from overturning his suspension of civilian rule. The move, seen as a desperate power grab, led to his immediate impeachment and suspension from office.
Since his impeachment, Yoon has remained in seclusion at his residence, avoiding investigators probing insurrection charges. He has allegedly used his presidential security team to resist arrest, further heightening tensions between his supporters and the authorities.
According to The AFP, the impeachment trial, expected to span five hearings, began at 2:00 pm local time but was adjourned within minutes due to Yoon’s absence.
