Suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol Defends Martial Law Declaration as Impeachment Trial Nears Conclusion
Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol remained defiant on Tuesday, asserting that the nation faced an “existential crisis” when he declared martial law last year. As his impeachment trial reached its final day, Yoon showed no remorse, standing by his controversial decision.
His brief suspension of civilian rule sparked political upheaval, leading to his removal from office by parliament in December. Now, South Korea’s Constitutional Court is set to decide whether he will be permanently ousted.
Yoon Defends His Actions
In his closing statement, Yoon described his December 3 martial law declaration as a necessary response to a national threat. “This was never about personal gain,” he told the court, emphasizing that external and internal forces, including North Korea, were jeopardizing national security.
Opposition lawmaker Jung Chung-rae urged the court to uphold the impeachment, recalling his own harrowing experience under South Korea’s past military regimes. “Blindfolded and tortured for hours, survival itself was painful,” he said, pausing to regain composure. He warned that if Yoon’s actions had succeeded, “countless lives would have been at risk.”
Tense Courtroom Atmosphere
The day’s proceedings were charged with emotion. Yoon’s legal team referenced a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, arguing that he was simply exercising his constitutional powers and should not be punished. Meanwhile, opposition lawyer Lee Gum-gyu expressed outrage, stating that his son, an active-duty soldier, would have been forced to enforce martial law under Yoon’s directive.
Inside the courtroom, members of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) clashed with the opposition. At one point, PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong was heard swearing at an opposition lawyer. Outside, pro-Yoon demonstrators called for the impeachment to be dismissed, some echoing unfounded claims that foreign interference had influenced recent elections.
Verdict Expected Soon
A ruling is anticipated by mid-March, with past impeachment cases taking around two weeks for a final decision. If Yoon is officially removed, South Korea will be required to hold a new presidential election within 60 days.
Yoon, currently behind bars on insurrection charges, faces the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty. His impeachment trial has largely focused on whether he overstepped constitutional boundaries by declaring martial law in a non-emergency situation.
Public opinion remains divided. A Realmeter survey released Monday found that 52% support his removal, while a recent Gallup poll showed 60% in favor of impeachment.
As the nation waits for the court’s verdict, South Korea finds itself at a critical political crossroads.
