A South Korean court ruled on Yoon's impeachment on Friday

The Constitutional Court of South Korea announced on April 1 that it will hold a trial on the impeachment of Yun Seok-yuol at 11 am on Friday (4), and the ruling will decide whether to stay in office.

The Constitutional Court also said that the sentencing of Yoon's impeachment will be broadcast live, and the public will be allowed to listen to it. It is unclear whether Ms. Yin will attend the trial.

If the affirmative vote is less than six votes, the impeachment motion will be rejected and Yoon will be reinstated as president immediately.

The case stems from Yin Xiyue's sudden declaration of martial law on the evening of December 3, 2024, which was lifted about six hours later. The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against Yoon on December 14, and the case was then transferred to the Constitutional Court.

According to the indictment, Yoon is suspected of violating the constitution by declaring martial law without holding an official cabinet meeting and surrounding the National Assembly and the National Election Commission buildings with military police. But Mr Yin insisted the action was legal and that the declaration of martial law was only a "warning" and did not order the arrest of politicians.

Yin Xiyue has been suspended for 111 days. According to the law, the Constitutional Court must pronounce its verdict within 180 days of accepting the case.

The trial focused on five controversial points, including the legality of martial law, whether the military and police siege of Parliament was unconstitutional, whether the "prohibition of political activities" clause in the proclamation exceeded its authority, whether there was an "arrest of lawmakers or judges" instruction, and whether the president seriously violated the Constitution. If the court finds that any of these constitute a major violation of the law, Yin Xiyue will be removed from office.

The National Assembly claimed that Yin Xiyue tried to suppress the National Assembly with military force, obstruct voting, and destroy the democratic mechanism; President Yoon stressed the need to maintain order and questioned the repeated testimony of witnesses. The court has accepted some key testimonies, including police Commissioner Cho Ji-ho's order to "arrest all lawmakers," which may be the key to the final decision.

The police set up a 24-hour alert

Political tensions are rising in South Korea as the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yuol counts down. Both supporters and opponents of impeachment have announced overnight rallies and mass demonstrations.

It is estimated that tens of thousands of people will gather in many places in Seoul on the 4th, which is expected to become one of the largest political confrontations in recent years.

In order to deal with possible social unrest, the South Korean police launched a 24-hour alert mechanism from April 1, and plans to issue a "Grade A emergency order" on the day of the verdict, and fully mobilize the police force. The 100 meters around the Constitutional Court will be set as a "vacuum zone", and roads will be blocked and only limited access will be allowed. Only exit 5 and exit 6 are open at Anguo Station.

In addition, 11 schools near the Constitutional Court and the presidential Palace will temporarily suspend classes on the day of the ruling, and cultural facilities such as Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace will also be closed for one day. Police said the move was a precautionary measure to ensure a safe and smooth sentencing process.