South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared before the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, where he expressed his unwavering belief in “liberal democracy.”
Yoon, who was impeached by the South Korean parliament on December 14, 2024, for declaring a controversial army rule decree, addressed the court directly, stressing his commitment to democratic values throughout his life, particularly during his public service.
“I have lived with a firm belief in liberal democracy until this very day, and especially during my time in public service,” Yoon told the court.
The 63-year-old president, who faces significant political turbulence, is currently suspended from his presidential duties pending the court’s ruling, which has up to six months to reach a decision on his impeachment.
In a rare move, Yoon became the first sitting president to attend a Constitutional Court hearing in person.
His defense team reassured the court that Yoon never intended to impose martial law, following his controversial decision in early December, which was seen as an authoritarian measure.
The hearing on Tuesday was the third session of the impeachment trial, where the court reviewed evidence presented by the National Assembly.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the court, holding signs that read, “Impeachment Invalid,” and demonstrating their loyalty.
Police were deployed to maintain order, having already detained around 90 protesters over violent disruptions during recent demonstrations.
This marks a significant moment in South Korean politics, as Yoon is the first sitting president to be formally arrested.
He was detained last week and remains in a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul, after a court authorized his extended arrest.
The Constitutional Court is scheduled to reconvene for additional hearings on January 23 and February 4.
