{"id":2208265,"date":"2025-02-04T12:27:25","date_gmt":"2025-02-04T03:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2208265"},"modified":"2025-02-04T12:27:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T03:27:25","slug":"yoons-impeachment-trial-nears-verdict-as-political-stakes-continue-to-rise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2025\/02\/yoons-impeachment-trial-nears-verdict-as-political-stakes-continue-to-rise\/","title":{"rendered":"Yoon\u2019s impeachment trial nears verdict as political stakes continue to rise"},"content":{"rendered":"
President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s impeachment trial is entering a decisive phase, with just four hearings remaining before mid-February. Despite persistent objections and apparent delay tactics from Yoon\u2019s legal representatives, the Constitutional Court has maintained its original schedule, underscoring its <\/span>commitment<\/span><\/a> to a swift resolution.<\/span><\/p>\n The trial\u2019s outcome carries major political implications, particularly with the possibility of a snap presidential election should Yoon be removed from office.<\/span><\/p>\n While the court has expedited proceedings, the case remains complex due to the interplay of legal and political factors. The key questions center on whether Yoon\u2019s declaration of martial law was a legitimate executive action, whether the conditions for invoking it were met and whether his directives undermined the constitutional order.<\/span><\/p>\n A verdict by late February or early March would likely benefit main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, giving him a clear path to the presidency. In contrast, a ruling in April could allow the ruling People Power Party more time to field a viable candidate \u2014 or even see Lee ruled out of the race if he is convicted in his own pending criminal trials.<\/span><\/p>\n LATE FEBRUARY TO EARLY MARCH VERDICT<\/b><\/p>\n Legal experts suggest Yoon\u2019s impeachment case is <\/span>relatively straightforward<\/span><\/a> compared to past trials, with impeachment hinging on the three primary legal questions. Evidence against Yoon has steadily accumulated, with officials <\/span>testifying<\/span><\/a> that he bypassed Cabinet approval before issuing the martial law decree and personally ordered military forces to remove lawmakers from the National Assembly and detain key political figures.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite objections from Yoon\u2019s legal team, the court has accepted investigative materials from multiple authorities, including the Seoul Central District Prosecutors\u2019 Office and the Defense Ministry\u2019s internal prosecutors. Given the extensive documentation already in its possession, the court may see little need for prolonged deliberation.<\/span><\/p>\n With the final hearing set for Feb. 13, a ruling could reasonably be expected by the end of the month. For comparison, the Constitutional Court took 10 days to issue a verdict in former President Park Geun-hye\u2019s impeachment trial and 14 days in the case of former President Roh Moo-hyun.<\/span><\/p>\n While Park\u2019s trial involved 16 hearings and 36 defense witnesses, the court has accepted only six out of more than 24 requested by Yoon\u2019s team, further signaling its intent to proceed without undue delay.<\/span><\/p>\n As hearings progress, the court has adjusted its schedule to accommodate additional testimony. Court officer Cheon Jae-hyun told local media that some sessions may extend late into the evening, citing precedent from Park\u2019s trial, which ran until 10 p.m. on multiple occasions.<\/span><\/p>\n