Yoon’s First Defense in Court
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol recently faced the Constitutional Court to defend his controversial actions, presenting his approach as a necessary warning to the opposition, rather than a threat of violence. During this significant hearing on January 21, 2025, Yoon responded to accusations that he commanded military personnel to forcibly remove lawmakers opposing his martial law proclamation.
Denial of Military Orders
Yoon firmly denied claims that he instructed the military to intervene at the National Assembly to halt a vote aimed at rejecting his martial law decree. He made this denial during his inaugural public court appearance, where he faced a critical decision regarding his political future. Having previously declared martial law on December 3, his government’s attempt to encircle lawmakers ultimately failed when they convened to nullify his decree.
Yoon’s Justification for Martial Law
As a conservative leader, Yoon argued that his martial law measures targeted the liberal opposition, which he accused of undermining the government’s authority. He described the assembly as a “den of criminals” and expressed his intent to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.” Defending his actions, he rejected the testimony of special forces commander Kwak Jong-keun, who claimed Yoon ordered troops to forcibly remove the legislators.
Consequences of Impeachment
Following his impeachment on December 14, Yoon has been stripped of his presidential powers while the Constitutional Court reviews whether to permanently remove him or restore his position. Yoon stressed to Court Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae that halting a legislative vote could have provoked severe public backlash, insisting that he never issued directives to form an emergency legislative body ahead of the martial law declaration.
National Unrest and Political Fallout
The declaration of martial law has deeply impacted South Korea, stirring significant diplomatic and financial uncertainties. The political crisis has intensified divisions within the nation, as the opposition rallies for Yoon’s exit. Protests erupted following the approval of an arrest warrant against him, leading to violent confrontations where his supporters clashed with police, resulting in injuries and arrests. Although South Korean leaders typically enjoy a degree of immunity from prosecution, the charges of rebellion and treason complicate Yoon’s situation, leaving his fate uncertain as the nation observes closely.
SOURCE: Ref Image from News24
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