South Korea president’s lawyer states Yoon will comply with Constitutional Court News
Arlington National Cemetery, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
South Korea president’s lawyer states Yoon will comply with Constitutional Court

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s lawyer stated on Thursday that Yoon is prepared to abide by the verdict of the Constitutional Court overseeing the impeachment proceedings, even in the event of his removal from office, according to local news.

During a press briefing at the Korea Conference Center in Seoul, Yoon’s Attorney Yoon Kab-keun responded to questions from reporters regarding President Yoon’s potential cooperation with the High-ranking Officials Corruption Investigation Office. Yoon emphasized that the President cannot engage in what he deems an illegal investigation, reiterating Yoon’s call for a formal indictment or a preliminary warrant from the Central District Court for compliance.

President Yoon’s legal team has vehemently contested the legality of the arrest warrant, arguing against the authority of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in investigating sedition and challenging the court’s handling of the warrant issuance. Yoon’s legal team submitted a petition to a Seoul court seeking the annulment of the arrest warrant, which was rejected by the court on January 5.

Attorneys of Yoon raised concerns on the Thursday conference about the judicial process, accusing the judges involved of misinterpreting legal principles and improperly applying the law in the warrant proceedings.

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing concerns about the opposition’s alleged support for a pro-North Korea agenda, further intensifying the already charged political environment. However, following swift backlash and mounting pressure from both the Parliament and the public, President Yoon announced the lifting of martial law after just six hours, with the withdrawal of deployed troops.

Subsequently, a South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon on December 31, 2024, related to this martial law declaration. The country’s corruption investigation agency confirmed the re-issuance of the warrant on January 7.

Uncertainties also remain regarding President Yoon’s attendance at the upcoming Constitutional Court impeachment trial hearings scheduled for January 14, 16, 21, 23, and February 4. The Constitutional Court Act mandates the presence of all parties involved in the impeachment trial.

 

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