President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared for the first time at the impeachment trial of the Constitutional Court of South Korea on January 21.
President Yoon Suk-yeol arrives at the court in a motorcade escorted by the Presidential Security Service from the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just south of the capital. Yoon Suk-yeol has been detained there since January 15.
Yonhap reported that at 2 p.m., Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol entered the courtroom, wearing a suit and red tie. This was the third trial related to the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol for declaring martial law on December 3, 2025.
"Since I grew up until now, I have lived with a firm belief in liberal democracy, especially during my time serving the public. As the Constitutional Court is an institution that exists to protect the Constitution, I ask the judges to consider me in many aspects," President Yoon Suk Yeol said after asking acting Presiding Judge Moon Hyung Bae for a chance to speak.
Yoon Suk Yeol is the first president to attend his own impeachment trial. Former Presidents Roh Moo Hyun and Park Geun Hye were both absent from their presidential impeachment trials.
President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached by the South Korean National Assembly on December 14, 2024, and was suspended from office. He was investigated for allegedly leading a rebellion and abusing his power by declaring martial law.
The Constitutional Court has 180 days from the date of acceptance of the case on December 14, 2024 to issue a ruling on impeachment or reject the impeachment and reinstate Yoon Suk Yeol. If President Yoon Suk Yeol is impeached, South Korea will have to hold a snap presidential election within 60 days.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the court to show support for President Yoon Suk Yeol, holding up signs reading "Impeachment void."
Police surrounded the court and surrounding area, and parked buses along the sidewalks to prevent any violence by protesters.
Across the street from the courthouse, 4,000 people attended a rally in support of the president.
