Seoul: Yoon's legal representatives on Monday called for the exclusion of Constitutional Court Justice Jeong Gye-seon from trials concerning impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid last month. The lawyers argue that Justice Jeong's progressive inclinations could impede a fair trial.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon's lawyers highlighted Justice Jeong's previous role as chairman of a Korean law research society of progressive judges and her expressed "prediction" for the trials during her confirmation hearing at the National Assembly last month. In response, the Constitutional Court announced a meeting of justices scheduled for Tuesday to address the issue. The court holds the authority to reject the exclusion request if deemed an attempt to delay proceedings.
The request follows the National Assembly's approval of three new Constitutional Court judges last month, including Jeong and Ma Eun-hyuk, nominated by the main opposition Democratic Party, and Cho Han-chang, recommended by the ruling People Power Party. Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok approved the appointments of Jeong and Cho.
Yoon's legal team also opposed the court's scheduling of Yoon's initial plea date for January 14, arguing instead that trials for impeached acting President Han Duck-soo should take precedence. The court plans to commence oral arguments on Tuesday, with five hearing sessions set until February 4.
Yoon has decided not to attend the first formal hearing in his impeachment trial, as investigators are pursuing his detention in a separate case related to the martial law attempt. A prior attempt to detain him on January 3 was unsuccessful due to a standoff with Yoon's security personnel.
The political turmoil stems from Yoon's brief martial law declaration on December 3, aimed at removing anti-state forces. The measure was overturned by lawmakers after six hours, leading to Yoon's impeachment on December 14 on charges of insurrection.