Tensions rise ahead of South Korea's impeachment verdict

Seoul [South Korea], March 10: Yesterday (March 9), South Korean authorities said they would mobilize about 14,000 police officers to ensure security in the capital Seoul on the day the Constitutional Court issues a ruling on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to Yonhap News Agency.
In December 2024, Mr. Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law, but it was quickly overturned by the National Assembly. The president was later impeached and suspended from office for abuse of power and inciting rebellion. He was also criminally prosecuted on the same charges and has been in detention since January.
On March 8, Mr. Yoon was released after a Seoul court accepted a request from his legal team, although the criminal case and impeachment case remained intact. On the same day, tens of thousands of people demonstrated at various locations in Seoul to show both support and opposition to Mr. Yoon. In explaining the decision to release him, the court said it needed to address the legality of the investigations into Mr. Yoon. In addition, the court also said that the legal period for Mr. Yoon's arrest had expired before he was indicted, according to AP.
Chief Prosecutor Shim Woo-jung decided not to appeal, instead instructing prosecutors to actively prepare their arguments in court in the criminal case. The opposition Democratic Party criticized the prosecution's decision and urged the Constitutional Court to remove Mr. Yoon as soon as possible to avoid further social unrest. The party also demanded Mr. Shim's immediate resignation and threatened to consider impeachment if the prosecutor refused.
Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) welcomed the release and called on the court to consider the decision when it issues its impeachment ruling. A PPP spokesman noted that the Constitutional Court would face backlash if it hastily removed the president and then acquitted Mr. Yoon in the criminal case.
Observers say that Yoon's release is only a procedural matter and will not affect the Constitutional Court's consideration of the impeachment case. The court has not set a date for its verdict, but the social uproar over his release could prompt the judiciary to make a quick decision.
If Yoon is impeached and removed from office, a presidential election will be held within 60 days. Otherwise, he will be reinstated. The criminal case against Yoon will continue even if he is removed from office. According to a Gallup Korea survey released on March 7, 60% of respondents said Yoon should be removed from office, while 35% opposed it.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper