Seoul: The Constitutional Court announced on Wednesday that it will conduct the first formal hearing for Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment trial on February 19. This decision was revealed by Kim Hyung-du, the lead justice on the case, during a preparatory hearing at the court. Both the legal representatives of Han and the National Assembly have been requested to submit necessary documents and evidence by February 13.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han was impeached by the opposition-controlled Assembly on December 27. This action followed his refusal to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court, which is set to review President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment related to his December 3 declaration of martial law. The impeachment motion against Han also accused him of being involved in plotting or supporting an insurrection through the brief imposition of martial law.
The court plans to concentrate on determining whether Han violated the Constitution by assisting Yoon in the alleged insurrection attempt. It will not address any potential violations of criminal law. Han has urged the court to expedite the proceedings, stressing the importance of "speed and prudence" in the impeachment of an acting president. The inaugural hearing is scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. on February 19.