Impeached and Arrested South Korea's Yoon Defends Martial Law Decree at Trial Amid Supporter Uproar

Jan 21, 2025, 09:16 AM

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached in December and arrested on Jan. 15 over his attempt to impose martial law on Dec. 3, appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday to defend his actions at his impeachment trial. Yoon denied allegations that he ordered military commanders to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly to prevent them from voting against his martial law decree. After the trial, Yoon was taken to the Armed Forces Seoul Capital District Hospital for a medical check-up before returning to the Seoul Detention Center. The impeachment trial, which is being conducted by the Constitutional Court, will determine whether Yoon will be permanently removed from office or reinstated. Supporters of Yoon stormed the court in response to his arrest, causing significant disruption.