The first impeachment trial session of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ended abruptly today, lasting only four minutes due to his absence and the Constitutional Court's decision to deny his request to remove Judge Chung Kye Sun from the panel of eight judges overseeing the case.
The next session is scheduled for Thursday, with the court confirming it will proceed regardless of Yoon's attendance. Acting Chief Judge Moon Hyung Bae cited legal provisions permitting the trial to continue in his absence.
According to Yonhap News Agency, today's session follows a National Assembly vote a month ago to impeach Yoon over his brief imposition of martial law on December 3 last year.
Yoon's legal team previously announced that he would not attend the hearing, citing concerns over his personal safety as investigators pursue charges of rebellion and abuse of power related to martial law decree.
His lawyers also called for the exclusion of Judge Jeong, claiming her past role as leader of a progressive legal research association could compromise Yoon's chance for a fair trial.
The court has 180 days, starting from December 14, to decide on the impeachment. If upheld, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering a presidential election within 60 days. If rejected, he will be reinstated.
International / Korea
First session of South Korean President's impeachment trial ends amid legal disputes
