South Korean Court to pass verdict in trial against the president

The Constitutional Court of South Korea announced today that this week will deliver its verdict on the impeachment trial against the president, Yoon Suk Yeol, dismissed by Parliament last December.
 
In a press release, the court detailed that the verdict will be pronounced from the court itself next Friday, and both live broadcasts and public attendance will be allowed.

The verdict will be handed down nearly four months after Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly on charges of violating the Constitution and laws through his imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024.

Friday’s results raise hopes for an end to the political chaos that has rocked South Korea since then; the nation has had two acting presidents, including one who has already been impeached and then reinstated.

During the trial, Yoon was charged with sending troops into the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree, during the six hours it was in effect, and ordering the arrest of prominent politicians, among other charges.

Under the Constitution, the consent of at least six permanent judges is required to ratify an impeachment motion; currently, the court is composed of eight members.

If the impeachment motion is ratified, Yoon will be removed from office; if it is dismissed, he will be reinstated to serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in May 2027.