South Korea’s Yoon Faces Final Impeachment Hearing Over Martial Law Declaration

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is set for his final impeachment hearing today at the Constitutional Court in Seoul. The proceedings will determine whether he will be permanently removed from office following his controversial declaration of martial law.

Yoon, who was ousted by parliament in December, has been in detention since last month on charges of insurrection. The 64-year-old leader could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted. His impeachment trial began last week, with judges now preparing for deliberations behind closed doors. A final verdict is widely anticipated in mid-March.

Legal and Political Implications

• The impeachment centers on whether Yoon unlawfully imposed martial law, a measure typically reserved for war or extreme national crises.
• Opposition lawmakers argue that Yoon’s decision lacked justification and constituted an unconstitutional power grab.
• If the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.

Defense and Public Sentiment

Yoon’s legal team maintains that his declaration of martial law was a response defended the move as a necessary step to alert the public to a national crisis rather than an attempt to disrupt the state.

Supporters of the former president have rallied behind unverified claims of electoral fraud in last year’s parliamentary elections, with protests mirroring rhetoric used in past international election disputes. Many demonstrators have echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” slogan.

Public Opinion and Anticipation

Polling data suggests a divided public stance on Yoon’s impeachment. A Realmeter survey published Monday indicates that 52% of respondents support his removal, while a Gallup poll from last week reported 60% in favor and 34% opposed.

With the Constitutional Court nearing its verdict, South Korea braces for the potential political upheaval that may follow, especially if a fresh election is triggered. The ruling will set a precedent for presidential accountability in the nation’s democratic framework.