Seoul: Impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo informed the Constitutional Court that Cabinet ministers expressed concerns and attempted to dissuade President Yoon Suk Yeol from his martial law bid prior to its announcement on December 3.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han, who was impeached on December 27 for his alleged involvement in the failed martial law attempt by Yoon, made these statements during what appears to be the final hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial. Han recounted that all Cabinet members were worried and tried to dissuade Yoon during a hastily organized meeting before the sudden imposition of martial law.
When questioned about former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun's testimony suggesting some members supported Yoon's plan, Han refuted it, stating that was not his recollection. President Yoon briefly appeared in the courtroom but left shortly after to return to the Seoul Detention Center, where he has been held since mid-January. His legal team explained that they considered it inappropriate for Yoon to witness Han's testimony.
Additionally, Hong Jang-won, former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, and Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the National Police Agency, have been summoned to testify as witnesses. President Yoon is facing trial at the Constitutional Court regarding the validity of his impeachment by the National Assembly over his December 3 martial law declaration, alongside criminal charges of inciting insurrection through the decree.
The court is anticipated to issue its ruling in early or mid-March, deciding whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.