Seoul: The Constitutional Court will hold the final hearing of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial Tuesday, which will present the final arguments of the legal teams of both Yoon and the National Assembly, serving as the prosecution in the case.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the sequence of events began on December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law in a national address. The following day, the National Assembly voted to demand the lifting of martial law, which Yoon subsequently announced. On December 7, 2024, the National Assembly's first impeachment motion against Yoon failed due to a lack of quorum, but a second motion was passed on December 14, 2024.
The Constitutional Court first convened on December 16, 2024, to discuss Yoon's impeachment. Preparatory hearings began on December 27, 2024, and continued into early January 2025. During these hearings, the National Assembly requested the removal of an insurrection charge.
The trial's formal proceedings began on January 14, 2025, but quickly adjourned due to Yoon's absence. The following day, Yoon was detained by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. On January 19, 2025, a warrant for Yoon's arrest was issued, and he appeared at the trial for the first time on January 21, 2025.
Subsequent hearings saw numerous high-profile witnesses, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Lt. Gen. Lee Jin-woo, testify about martial law operations. On January 26, 2025, prosecutors formally indicted Yoon on charges related to leading an insurrection.
The trial continued with several hearings throughout February 2025, with witnesses including former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min and National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik. The Constitutional Court announced the conclusion of oral arguments after the tenth hearing on February 20, 2025, with the final arguments set for February 25.