Constitutional Court Prepares for Decision on President Yoon's Impeachment
On April 4, at 11 AM, all justices of the Constitutional Court gathered for the anticipated ruling on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. Reports indicate that the justices began their final deliberations before the announcement. The final decision is expected to be confirmed during this discussion.
The justices arrived at the court under the protection of one to two security vehicles. The first to arrive was Justice Jeong Hyeong-sik, the presiding judge for the impeachment case, who entered the building around 6:54 AM dressed in a black suit and carrying a briefcase.
The remaining justices followed suit between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM. At approximately 7:34 AM, Justice Kim Bok-hyung acknowledged the press with a nod before entering the main building. He was followed by Justices Jeong Gye-seon (7:43 AM), Lee Mi-sun (7:56 AM), Kim Hyung-doo (7:59 AM), Jeong Jeong-mi (8:15 AM), and Jo Han-chang (8:17 AM). The acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae was the last to arrive at around 8:22 AM. All justices were dressed in dark suits and entered without making any comments.
If the court rules in favor of the impeachment, President Yoon will lose his position immediately upon the announcement. Conversely, if three or more justices vote to dismiss or reject the case, he will resume his duties right away.
On December 14 of last year, the National Assembly, led by the Democratic Party, passed the impeachment motion against President Yoon, who had declared a state of emergency on December 3. The grounds for impeachment outlined during the court proceedings include violations of the requirements for declaring a state of emergency, the unconstitutionality and illegality of the proclamation, attempts to block the National Assembly using military and police forces, orders for the arrest of politicians, and attempts to seize control of the National Election Commission, totaling five charges.
