South Korea's Constitutional Court held its fifth impeachment hearing for President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday, with the embattled leader attending for the third time. The hearing focused on allegations surrounding Yoon's controversial declaration of emergency martial law in December 2023.
Yoon Denies Allegations
Appearing in central Seoul's courtroom, Yoon denied ordering troops to forcibly remove lawmakers during the December 3 incident. \\"Nothing really happened that night,\\" he stated, claiming his administration intended to lift martial law if parliament voted against it. However, he admitted this plan was only discussed with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
Prosecution's Claims Contradict Testimony
Prosecutors presented evidence alleging Yoon instructed commanders to deploy special forces with orders to \\"fire guns\\" and \\"use axes\\" to breach parliament doors. Security footage showed military helicopters landing and troops entering the National Assembly building late that night.
Lee Jin-woo, former Capital Defense Command chief linked to the operation, declined to testify citing ongoing criminal proceedings. He acknowledged speaking with Yoon during the crisis but provided no further details.
South Korea's constitution mandates parliamentary approval for martial law declarations, creating a constitutional crisis as lawmakers revoked the order within hours of its announcement.
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S. Korea's court holds 5th hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial
cgtn.com
