Yoon Suk-yeol appeared before South Korea’s Constitutional Court for the first time, defending his actions as a warning to the opposition, not a threat of violence.
South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk-yeol, on Tuesday denied allegations that he instructed the military to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly to block their vote rejecting his martial law decree.
Yoon made the statement during his first public appearance before the Constitutional Court, which will decide his political future.
Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be detained after declaring martial law on 3 December, when he briefly sent troops to encircle the National Assembly. However, lawmakers managed to convene and unanimously nullify the decree, and martial law was lifted the following morning.
Yoon, a conservative leader, claimed his actions were not aimed at obstructing the Assembly but were a warning to the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which he accused of undermining government operations.
In his declaration of martial law, Yoon referred to the assembly as “a den of criminals” accusing it of obstructing government operations and pledging to eradicate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces”.
During his court appearance, he rejected testimony from special forces commander Kwak Jong-keun, who alleged that Yoon had directly ordered troops to “quickly destroy the door and drag out the lawmakers who are inside”.
The National Assembly impeached Yoon on 14 December, suspending his presidential powers. The Constitutional Court has until June to decide whether to remove him permanently or reinstate him, with a ruling expected sooner.
Yoon argued that attempting to physically block an assembly vote would have likely triggered a public backlash.
“If I had obstructed (the vote), I think I wouldn’t have been able to handle the consequences,” Yoon told acting Constitutional Court Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae.
He also denied providing a memo to a top official on forming an emergency legislative body before declaring martial law.
Meanwhile, Yoon faces separate criminal investigations into allegations of rebellion and abuse of power, crimes that could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Yoon had avoided appearing for questioning but was detained on 15 January after hundreds of police and investigators surrounded his residence.
His defence minister, police chief, and several top military officials have already been arrested for their roles in enforcing his decree.
National impact and backlash
Yoon’s martial law declaration has shaken South Korea’s diplomatic standing and financial stability, tarnishing its reputation as a thriving democracy.
The political turmoil has deepened internal divisions, with the opposition pushing for Yoon’s removal.
Following the approval of an arrest warrant to extend Yoon’s detention, violent protests erupted outside a Seoul district court on Sunday.
Supporters of Yoon stormed the building, vandalising property and injuring 17 police officers. Authorities detained 46 protesters in connection with the clashes.
South Korean presidents typically enjoy broad immunity while in office, but this protection does not cover charges of rebellion or treason, leaving Yoon’s fate in the balance.
