SEOUL, South Korea — On Tuesday, South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, refuted claims that he instructed the military to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly to block their vote against his martial law declaration last month. This marked his first appearance before the Constitutional Court, a crucial moment as the court is set to decide his political future.
Yoon’s attendance at the court was significant as he became the first sitting president to face detention related to his abrupt imposition of martial law, which sent shockwaves through the nation’s political landscape. Following the unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3, Yoon deployed military personnel and police to surround the National Assembly. Nevertheless, enough lawmakers were able to enter the building to cast a unanimous vote to nullify his decree, prompting Yoon’s Cabinet to revoke the martial law early the next morning.
The conservative leader contended that his military deployment was not intended to obstruct the assembly but rather to serve as a warning to the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which he accuses of hampering his agenda, undermining budget proposals, and leading impeachment efforts against his senior officials. He had previously described the assembly as “a den of criminals” impeding government operations, pledging to rid the country of “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.”
Contradicting Yoon’s narrative, military leaders have expressed dissent regarding his orders. Kwak Jong-keun, the commander of a special forces unit involved in the military response, testified at an assembly hearing that Yoon had contacted him directly, requesting that his troops “quickly destroy the door and drag out the lawmakers who are inside.” Kwak stated that he did not comply with this request.
When questioned by acting Constitutional Court chief justice Moon Hyungbae about whether he gave orders to remove lawmakers, Yoon denied such allegations. He asserted that the lawmakers could have reconvened elsewhere to overturn the martial law decree and suggested that attempting to physically bar an assembly vote would have provoked a public outcry.
“If I had obstructed (the vote), I think I wouldn’t have been able to handle the consequences,” Yoon said. Responding to inquiries regarding a memo he supposedly delivered about setting up an emergency legislative body prior to declaring martial law, he insisted he did not do so. The existence of such a memo could shed light on his true motivations behind the martial law declaration.
The National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on December 14, suspending his presidential authority. The Constitutional Court is expected to issue a ruling as early as June on whether he will be formally dismissed or reinstated, with many observers anticipating a decision sooner.
In a separate incident, law enforcement is probing allegations that Yoon and others engaged in rebellion and abuse of power in relation to the martial law declaration. The legal consequences for leading a rebellion can include life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Previously, Yoon had declined several requests to participate in investigations, opting to remain in the presidential residence in Seoul. In contrast, his defense minister, police chief, and several military leaders involved in enforcing martial law have already faced arrest. He was apprehended on January 15 after police and investigators surrounded his residence with considerable force.
While South Korean presidents generally enjoy extensive immunity from prosecution while in office, this protection does not extend to serious accusations such as rebellion or treason. The fallout from Yoon’s martial law declaration has disturbed South Korea’s diplomatic engagements and financial stability, negatively impacting its reputation as a thriving democracy. Yoon’s contentious stance and the opposition’s intensifying efforts to remove him have further aggravated the country’s existing political divisions.
In a recent development, violent clashes erupted when a Seoul district court approved a warrant for extending Yoon’s detention. Supporters of Yoon stormed the court premises, damaging property and attacking police officers with bricks and steel pipes, resulting in injuries to 17 law enforcement members. Authorities reported the arrest of 46 protestors amid the chaos.
