South Korea's Constitutional Court Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against President Yoon Suk Yeol
South Korea's Constitutional Court has commenced its first meeting to discuss the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted by parliament following his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3-4. The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion on Saturday, leading to Yoon's suspension from office. This unprecedented move came after Yoon attempted to impose a state of emergency, which he quickly rescinded under intense pressure from lawmakers and public protests.
The court's deliberation began at 10:00 a.m. (0100 GMT), marking the start of a process that could take up to six months. If the court upholds the impeachment, a new presidential election will be mandated within two months, with the winner assuming office immediately. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as interim leader during this period, emphasizing his commitment to stable governance.
Legal Proceedings and Expectations
The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the impeachment case, with justices having met to organize their opinions ahead of the scheduled discussions. They plan to formally notify President Yoon of the impeachment petition and request his response. While the law requires prompt notification, the delivery was slightly delayed due to the timing of the impeachment decision.
Historically, the court has handled similar cases, with previous impeachments taking between 63 to 91 days to reach a conclusion. Given the serious allegations against Yoon, including constitutional violations, experts predict a swift outcome. The court requires a unanimous decision from its six justices to validate the impeachment, a challenge given that three justices have recently retired, leaving the court short-staffed.
Political Implications and Future Prospects
The political landscape in South Korea is tense, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung advocating for a quick resolution to mitigate national unrest. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 elections, is seen as a potential frontrunner in any upcoming elections, despite his own legal troubles. If elected before a court decision on his legal status, he could benefit from presidential immunity, complicating the political dynamics further.
As the impeachment proceedings unfold, all eyes are on the Constitutional Court, which is expected to navigate this politically charged situation with care, balancing legal responsibilities and public sentiment.
