South Korea's impeachment trial of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol began and swiftly adjourned Tuesday afternoon local time after Yoon refused to appear in court. The Constitutional Court reconvenes Thursday and must determine whether to uphold parliament's impeachment vote from last month or reinstate Yoon's presidential powers.
The trial stems from Yoon's controversial, short-lived declaration of martial law in December, which led to hundreds of troops storming the National Assembly and sparked widespread protests (see visual timeline). Yoon faces criminal charges of abuse of authority and has remained secluded in his heavily guarded residence in Seoul since Dec. 14. Yoon has also evaded an arrest warrant—the first time such action has been taken against a sitting president.
Yoon did not attend the trial's opening hearing because of security concerns. The court has scheduled five sessions between today and Feb. 4, which will proceed in Yoon's absence if necessary. The court must deliver a final ruling by June; at least six of the eight current justices must agree for the impeachment to be upheld.
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